About Mums In Need
About Mums In Need
Empowering Mums Through Post-Separation Abuse
Empowering Mums Through Post-Separation Abuse
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Mums In Need (MIN) is a unique support service for mothers suffering ongoing coercive control after separation from an abusive partner. We are working to move away from stereotypes and misconceptions around what a victim looks like and raise awareness about coercive control's multifaceted reality.
Domestic abuse is always underpinned by intimate terrorism, the emotional and psychological elements of coercive control which shatter lives. Violence is just one piece of the jigsaw that makes up a complex pattern of abuse; it is the iceberg's visible tip. Mums In Need recognises that what happens beyond physical violence is largely unseen by other services, with many victims falling through the cracks.
Many organisations help support escape from domestic abuse, but escape is not the end of the story. An escalation in relentless emotional and psychological abuse is common post-separation and is often sustained through shared care with children. Many mothers are left struggling to find the understanding and resources to cope with ongoing, often invisible abuse. This can be a lonely and desperate situation that impacts work-life, other relationships, motherhood and physical/mental health.
We are here for these women.
We Are Experts In Our Field
We Are Experts In Our Field
Since 2014, Mums In Need has empowered over 300 women affected by emotional and psychological abuse, also known as coercive control, providing vital support after separation.
Our Mission: Empowering Mums to Rebuild After Post-Separation Abuse
Our Mission: Empowering Mums to Rebuild After Post-Separation Abuse
We exist to ensure that no mother feels alone or powerless in the face of post-separation abuse. Our mission is to provide trauma-informed support, legal guidance, emotional recovery services, and a supportive community for women navigating the aftermath of domestic violence.
Why We’re Needed
Why We’re Needed
Even after escaping an abusive partner, many women face ongoing harm through:
Coercive co-parenting
Legal harassment
Financial abuse
Ongoing threats and manipulation
This continued form of abuse is often misunderstood, underreported, and invisible to most systems — leaving mothers to suffer in silence. We’re here to change that.
What We Do
What We Do
Each mum who joins us is paired with a dedicated Caseworker. They'll listen to your unique situation and create a personalised plan to help you reach your goals. This can come in the form of:
One - one counselling
Legal advice and referrals
Financial guidence
Therapeutic support and peer-led groups
Online resources and safety planning
We partner with solicitors, therapists, and other services to ensure every woman is heard, believed, and protected. We’re here to change that.
Our Story
Our Story
Mums In Need was created by Laura Riley, our CEO, who personally endured post-separation abuse and recognised the urgent need for specialised support. What started as a peer support network for women has blossomed into a thriving charity, transforming lives and challenging systemic barriers. Learn more here.
Meet Our Casework Team
Meet Our Casework Team
Our dedicated experts committed to empowering you to heal and move forward after post-separation abuse.
Nicola joined the Mums In Need team as a caseworker in November 2021. In January 2024 Nicola changed role to Caseworker co-ordinator.
Nicola has lived experience with domestic abuse and coercive control and is passionate about supporting others. She trained as a community connector for Rise - a grassroots domestic abuse charity based in Brighton.
"Working for Mums In Need is an honour. My mission is to help those who have suffered coercive control to feel understood and enable women to thrive after leaving abusive relationships. Another area of interest for me is to be able to support children and young people to know what healthy relationships look like and give children a voice too."
Zara joined Mums In Need in August 2021 as a Caseworker.
Her career began by attending University studying Law & Psychology. Her aim was to become a Criminal Lawyer, but after 2 years, it became apparent that a legal career would sometimes require representing those in the wrong. This was something that Zara realised she didn't want to do, and she made a difficult decision to leave her course to start something new.
Zara has since enjoyed 10 years with her previous employer managing administrative and recruitment functions for the delivery of Apprenticeships nationally. In 2019, she left to start her own business, and its success has allowed her the spare time to give back in a new role.
"After hearing about Mums In Need through a friend, it sounded like the perfect opportunity to actively make a difference in the lives of women who are going through extremely difficult and traumatic experiences. This role has highlighted the need for women, and children, to be better supported during post separation abuse in order to successfully manage their lives. And it is now something I am passionate about supporting."
Ursula Joined Mums In Need in January 2024 as a Caseworker.
She earned her social work degree in 2012 and began supporting mothers and their babies in a women's prison. She was passionate about helping these families build strong bonds to enable them to have happy, fulfilling lives after release. She did this for many years before becoming a supervising social worker, overseeing children in their foster family home.
Ursula later worked in women's refuges where she supported women and their children who were fleeing domestic abuse. Ursula supported the families through some of their most turbulent times and was keen to see the best outcome for them, she assisted abuse survivors and their children in establishing a better life.
"I am mother myself and understand the difficulties faced by abuse survivors. Taking on a role as a Caseworker means that I can be there for mothers and their children to provide listening and guidance during those difficult times".
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