My Survivor's Handbook
Your guide to safety, healing, and empowerment.
Guardian Angel is built on two unbreakable promises that separate us from every other safety app. They aren't just features; they are our entire reason for being.
Zero-Knowledge Privacy
When you have experienced a violation as deep as domestic abuse, trust is everything. Your privacy is not a commodity. Our "zero-knowledge" model means your most sensitive data—your journal, your evidence, your photos—is encrypted on your device using a key that only you have. We can't see it. We can't access it. We can't share it. This isn't a marketing claim; it's a technical guarantee. Your story is yours alone, and we are architecturally bound to protect that fact.
Survivor-Led Design
This app was built by a survivor, for survivors. It was conceived in the fire of lived experience, not in a boardroom. Every tool, from the Evidence Locker to the discreet "Beauty Box" alert, was designed to solve a real, painful problem that I faced myself. This isn't a theoretical solution; it's a practical toolkit where every detail is crafted with a deep, authentic understanding of what you truly need to feel safe and in control. That is our unbreakable promise to you.
Set up your Trusted Contacts
This is a critical first step. Go to the Trusted Contacts page in your dashboard and add the people who will be alerted if you use a safety feature like the Quick Message or Beauty Box alert. These are your lifelines. You control who is on this list and can change it at any time.
Create your Safety Plan
Take some time to think through your safety plan using our guided sections. Consider escape routes, emergency locations, and who you can trust. It's a private space to prepare for different scenarios and is encrypted on your device. This is a living document—review and update it as your circumstances change.
Make your first Journal entry
Your journal is your private space to write your story. Start by exploring the 'My Story, In My Own Words' page or the 'Gratitude Jar' to begin documenting your journey and feelings. This is for your eyes only. The more you write, the more you may be able to see patterns using our private AI analysis tool.
"To empower survivors of domestic abuse with a single, secure, and comprehensive digital tool for safety, evidence management, and wellness. We streamline the path to safety, reduce trauma, and foster a supportive community for healing."
"We envision a universally accessible standard of support for survivors everywhere. By creating an all-in-one, privacy-first platform, we put control back where it belongs: in the hands of the survivor."
"Our ambition is to build a global ecosystem of safety and support. This includes not only the digital app, but also physical 'Guardian Angel Centres' for healing and skill-building, The Noah Foundation for young children, and The Rose for dementia support. We aim to create a legacy of empowerment that spans generations and borders."
I'm an example because I've not just had one abuser, I've had many. Trying to keep a lifelong log of everything was impossible because of having to move homes or in and out of hostels; a lot of my evidence was lost. I needed a lifeline. I dreamed of a single, secure place where I could keep everything safe. A tool that would empower me, not make me feel like a victim.
Guardian Angel is that dream made real. Through my journey, I wrote a book, performed my poetry on stage, and learned to navigate the court system. In all those moments, I wished for a tool like this. So, I built it for you.
Providing immediate, practical tools to increase a survivor's safety. This includes discreet alert systems, secure evidence collection, and comprehensive safety planning resources, all protected by our unbreakable zero-knowledge privacy.
Empowering survivors to navigate the legal system with confidence. The Agency Portal is our key innovation, designed to streamline evidence sharing with police and support services, reducing re-traumatization and improving outcomes.
Supporting the long-term journey of recovery. We provide a rich ecosystem of therapeutic tools, creative outlets, and community spaces to help survivors process trauma, rebuild self-esteem, and foster resilience.
Guardian Angel was conceived and designed by a survivor. This isn't a theoretical solution; it's a practical toolkit where every feature is crafted with a deep, authentic understanding of what's truly needed to feel safe and in control.
We provide a comprehensive ecosystem for the entire healing journey. From crisis tools and evidence management to wellness features and community support, we are with you every step of the way.
Our "zero-knowledge" privacy model is our unbreakable promise. Your most sensitive data is encrypted on your device, and only you hold the key. We can't see it. We can't access it. Your safety and privacy are paramount.
We are not just helping you navigate a broken system; we are fixing it. The Agency Portal is designed to break the "Negative Loop" of re-traumatization by creating a secure, consent-driven way for you to share information with trusted agencies, putting you in control.
Guardian Angel's mission extends beyond the digital app into a series of interconnected campaigns and foundations, each designed to address a critical aspect of healing, empowerment, and systemic change. Together, these initiatives form a holistic ecosystem of support, aiming not only to provide a lifeline in a crisis but to build a better, safer, and more just future for all.
At the forefront is #BeTheStorm, our primary advocacy movement to empower survivors to reclaim their narratives and drive legislative change through the Phoenix Charter, which seeks to establish a new bill of rights for survivors in the digital age. The Destiny Foundation will serve as the charitable engine for our mission, funding educational grants and entrepreneurship opportunities to help survivors build independent futures. A key part of this is The Noah Foundation, a dedicated initiative focused on breaking the intergenerational cycle of trauma by providing resources for affected children.
Recognizing that safety is paramount, The Dale Foundation is our initiative to provide immediate, safe emergency accommodation for those fleeing abuse. Our campaigns also embrace the wider support network. The Unbreakable Bond celebrates the vital role of friendship in healing, while Strength & Struggle offers a dedicated space for those supporting loved ones with alcoholism. Finally, The Rose Foundation extends our circle of care to support individuals and families affected by dementia.
Facing Your Abuser & The Court System
This was one of the hardest parts of my journey. I had to learn how to answer questions in a way that was both truthful and safe. Here’s what I learned:
- Stick to the Facts: When asked a question, answer it directly and factually. Use your Evidence Locker to refresh your memory on dates and details. Do not get drawn into emotional arguments or offer more information than what is asked. Be clear, concise, and calm.
- It's Okay to Say 'I Don't Remember': You are not a computer. If you don't recall a specific detail, it is better to say "I don't remember" than to guess. It shows you are being honest.
- Prepare for Their Tactics: An abuser's goal in court is often to unsettle you and make you look unreliable. They may twist your words or bring up irrelevant history. Expect this. Stay calm and focus on the question at hand. Your calm demeanor is a form of power.
- Your Victim Statement is Your Voice: This is your chance to speak your truth, in your own words. Write it from the heart. Explain the impact the abuse had on every part of your life—your mental health, your ability to work, your children. This is where you can be emotional and show the true cost. This is what I did when I said, "He made me feel dead."
How I Answered the Hard Questions
They will try to use your past against you. They will try to make it seem like your reactions were the problem. This is how I learned to respond:
"My mental health struggles were a direct result of the trauma he inflicted. My reactions were those of a person trying to survive an unbearable situation."
"Yes, I was angry. I was terrified. My behaviour was a symptom of the abuse I was enduring."
Protecting your digital and physical peace. This means blocking phone numbers, emails, and social media profiles. It's about creating a barrier to stop unwanted contact.
Documenting everything. Use the Evidence Locker to save screenshots of messages, record audio, and write timestamped notes. This creates a secure, private record that only you control.
Removing toxic influences from your life. This can mean physically leaving a situation, but it also means emotionally detaching and removing people from your circle who do not support your safety.
Deciding if and when to report is your choice. This could mean reporting to the police, but it can also mean reporting a profile to a social media platform or sharing information with a support agency via the portal.
This is a continuous cycle of self-protection. You may need to repeat these steps as new situations arise. Each time you do, you reinforce your boundaries and reclaim your power.
Domestic abuse isn’t just physical. It includes controlling, coercive, threatening and degrading behaviour, usually by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.
Despite the fact that domestic abuse is common, it is under-reported. Some people may not be aware that what is happening to them is domestic abuse and some people do not tell anyone because they feel ashamed or that in some way it is their fault but this is never the case. If you are being abused, you are not alone, and it is not your fault.
Coercive Control
An act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
Emotional & Psychological
Constant criticism, insults, belittling, gaslighting (making you doubt your own sanity), and manipulating you or your children.
Physical
Any form of physical violence including slapping, pushing, hitting, kicking, choking, or using weapons.
Sexual
Any sexual act without consent. This includes rape, sexual assault, pressuring you into sex, and refusing to use protection.
Digital & Online
Monitoring your social media, sharing private photos without consent, using tracking devices, and sending harassing messages.
Financial
Controlling your access to money, putting you in debt, or preventing you from working or studying.
Stalking
A pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact that causes you to feel fear or distress. This can be online or in person.
Forced Marriage
When you face physical or emotional pressure to marry someone against your will.
So-called 'Honour' Based Abuse
Abuse committed to 'protect' or 'defend' the so-called honour of a family or community, which can include controlling behaviour, violence, and forced marriage.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
A procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut or changed for non-medical reasons. It is illegal in the UK and a form of child abuse.
Reporting to the Police
Deciding to involve the police is a significant step. They should take your report seriously and treat you with respect...
Protective Orders (Non-Molestation Orders)
A Non-Molestation Order is a type of injunction from a court to prevent a partner or ex-partner from threatening violence, intimidating, harassing, or pestering you...
Extending a Protective Order
If your order is nearing its end and you still feel at risk, you can apply to the court to extend it. You will need to provide evidence of the ongoing risk...
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
After the police investigate, they pass the evidence to the CPS, who decides whether to charge a person with a criminal offence...
A healthy relationship is a safe space where you can be playful, silly, and vulnerable without fear of judgment. It's where your small hurts are treated with as much kindness as your big ones.
Mutual Respect
You value each other's opinions, feelings, and needs. You can disagree without insulting or demeaning each other. You celebrate each other's accomplishments.
Trust & Honesty
You both feel secure and comfortable with each other. You can be open and honest without fear of retaliation. You don't feel the need to check up on each other or hide things.
Open Communication
You can talk about anything, including difficult topics. You both listen to understand, not just to respond. You can express your needs and wants clearly and respectfully.
Shared Power & Equality
Decisions are made together. Both partners have an equal say in finances, household chores, and other important aspects of your shared life. It feels like a team effort.
Individuality & Support
You both have the freedom to have your own hobbies, friends, and interests outside the relationship. Your partner encourages your personal growth and is your biggest cheerleader.
Trauma is not just the event that took place; it's the lasting emotional response. It's an experience that overwhelms your ability to cope. Domestic abuse is a profound form of trauma because it is often repeated and occurs at the hands of someone you were meant to trust.
The 'Fight, Flight, Freeze' Response
When you face a threat, your body goes into survival mode. You might fight back, run away (flight), or find yourself unable to move or speak (freeze). This is not a choice; it's an automatic physiological reaction. Understanding this can help reduce feelings of shame or guilt about how you reacted.
"My journey has been one of profound personal growth. For a time, I believed my legacy would be defined in traditional ways, like having children. But through my healing and my relationship with my partner, Chris, I came to a powerful realization: Guardian Angel is my legacy. This app is my baby, a creation born from my experience that has the potential to help millions. This deep, personal connection is the unwavering heart of the entire project."
Read my full story, 'Forged in Fire', for a deeper look into the journey that created Guardian Angel.
"I used my experiences to create poetry, spoken word and advocated through my poetry because it was my way to healing and finding comfort in my identity as an artist. I used my poetry as a way to speak in a world that doesn't listen."
Writing is a way to take back control of your own story. In 2022, I published "Let Me Speak!", a raw, first-hand account of survival, resilience, and the fight to be heard.
"Music became my outlet from all the pain and confusion while going through and experiencing domestic violence. It became my lifeline; it was a direct source of the pain that gave me my creativity."
I used AI to help me bring my poetry to life, transforming written words into fully-produced Hip-Hop and Rap tracks.
The rights and protections we have today were not easily won. They are the result of generations of courageous women and their allies who fought against injustice. Guardian Angel is proud to be the next chapter in this story, from the first women's refuge in 1971, to the criminalisation of coercive control in 2015, to the launch of the world's first survivor-led, privacy-first safety platform in 2025.
Our vision is ambitious and multi-phased. It begins with securing seed funding to formalize the business and grow our team. The long-term goal extends beyond the digital realm: we aim to secure Series A funding to establish physical Guardian Angel Centres—holistic havens for healing, education, and community.
"In times of great need I took strength from my friends and family who was and is always there for me to give me a helping hand no matter the circumstances. It's them that held me up when I faced my greatest fears."
#BeTheStorm: "Dedicated to all those who claimed back their power and was a light house to all those who followed behind."
Strength & Struggle: "Dedicated to my mum, she was always there for her all her children and was always there to offer support and guidance."
The Dale Foundation: "Dedicated to Chris who always gave me refuge and was and is always my sanctuary."
"I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, creativity, technology, and the unbreakable human spirit."
This handbook includes guidance on rebuilding self-worth and practical steps you can take to support your mental health. For the full chapter, please visit the dedicated page.
Go to Chapter 21This chapter provides a quick-reference guide to the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to help manage overwhelming moments. For the full chapter, please visit the dedicated page.
Go to Chapter 22We are committed to making Guardian Angel accessible to everyone. This chapter will house resources tailored for neurodivergent survivors and those with disabilities. For the full chapter, please visit the dedicated page.
Go to Chapter 23This chapter contains detailed information about your legal options, the justice system, and what to expect when reporting abuse. For the full text, please visit the dedicated page.
Go to Chapter 24Leaving an abusive home can put you at risk of homelessness. This chapter explains your rights and lists key organizations that can help. For the full text, please visit the dedicated page.
Go to Chapter 25The numbers that drive our mission and underscore the scale of the crisis. For the full chapter, please visit the dedicated page.
Go to Chapter 26The organizations and accreditations that strengthen our mission. For a full list, please visit the dedicated page.
Go to Chapter 27Our blog is a sanctuary for stories, a library of wisdom, and a testament to the incredible resilience of the human spirit. You can read all posts on our dedicated blog page.
Read the BlogThis project is dedicated to everyone who supported this journey. For a full list of dedications, please visit the dedicated page.
Go to Chapter 29We have a comprehensive, searchable list of helplines for a wide range of needs. If you need to talk to someone, please use this resource.
Go to Chapter 30