ella's Story
Control.
Independence.
A new start.
For Ella, a refurbished laptop was vital to regain her personal safety and independence
Domestic abuse survivors often lose access to devices, online accounts, finances and support networks.
Digital access is crucial for recovery and safety.
Ella left her abusive partner, taking only her two children and a few essential items. Her partner had controlled every aspect of her digital life: her phone, passwords, bank accounts, and online communication. When she reached a refuge, she realised she had no safe way to access support services or communicate privately.
Survivors of domestic abuse frequently face:
financial control and no access to shared devices
monitoring, spyware or unsafe online accounts
the need for private communication channels
urgent tasks that can only be completed online
Digital access becomes a matter of personal safety and independence.
At the refuge, Ella was given a basic phone, but she needed more:
private access to domestic abuse support
the ability to contact legal aid
a way to complete housing applications
access to online counselling
tools to help her children continue schoolwork
The Challenge
Without a personal device, Ella remained vulnerable and isolated.
"My partner tracked my location, my social media accounts, my bank accounts. I left everything behind when I escaped."
A refuge support worker referred Ella to us. We provided:
a refurbished laptop with fresh installation and zero prior user data
safety-focused digital setup
guidance on creating secure passwords
links to domestic abuse support, housing portals, school apps
information on safe browsing and avoiding contact tracing
How we helped
Change a life
For domestic violence survivors like Ella, digital inclusion is a vital first step towards regaining their safety, confidence and independence.
Donate laptops to support domestic violence survivors
Partner with us to sponsor devices and training
Apply for a laptop for yourself, for a loved one or for someone you're supporting.
Ella is now rebuilding her life. She has:
secured a new housing placement
begun online counselling
enrolled in a remote training course
helped her children adjust to their new school
reconnected safely with friends and family
Life with a laptop
“Having my own laptop has meant getting control of my life back. I'm so grateful to everyone involved”
Ella told us she is regaining confidence in herself and is starting to apply for jobs.
Social value of reuse
Using HACT Social Value Insights, the social value generated through Ella's refurbished laptop is
£50,100
Case studies are based on real beneficiary journeys. Some names and identifying details have been altered to protect confidentiality, but each story represents the genuine challenges faced by the communities we serve.
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