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You are not alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Available 24/7, free, and confidential.
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Signs of Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. It is not just physical violence—it can also be emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual.
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About Petronela’s Hope Charity

Our organisation, Petronela’s Hope, supports families who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. Our founder, Miss Petronela Zilik, knows the challenges and hardships these families face, as she herself was a victim of abuse that led to homelessness, drug addiction, and sex work. She managed to overcome these difficulties, and now she is using her skills in art, music, and dance to help others heal and recover. She is currently working with fifteen families from her own home, providing them with creative outlets and positive reinforcement. We share Petronela’s vision that women and children who have suffered trauma deserve to express themselves in a healthy and constructive way.

Our goal is to find a suitable venue where we can run music and dance workshops, as well as offer focus groups and counselling sessions for survivors. Petronela’s Hope cares about the community of Medway Towns and recognises the need for diverse and accessible services. We appreciate the efforts to build new housing for families in the area, but we also believe that our free programmes can make a difference in their lives.

We are interested in exploring the possibility of collaborating with you on the important issue of domestic violence prevention and intervention. We believe that your expertise and experience can contribute to finding effective and healthy solutions for this complex social problem. Therefore, we would like to invite you to a one-on-one meeting where we can discuss our mutual goals, expectations, and strategies. We hope this meeting will be an opportunity to establish a productive and respectful partnership that will benefit both parties and the communities we serve. Petronela's Hope aims to raise funds to establish a club for victims of domestic violence. Additionally, we plan to purchase a house where single mothers and their children can find shelter after leaving domestic violence situations. Our organization also seeks to create a shelter for homeless individuals.

Petronela's Hope is committed to numerous initiatives aimed at supporting victims of domestic violence, but we need your help to bring them to life. You can make a difference by providing financial assistance to support these victims.

We appreciate your valuable time and effort, but we are urgently in need of your assistance.

Join Us and Be a Part of Petronela’s Hope

At Petronela’s Hope, we organize events to bring survivors, supporters, and the community together to heal, connect, and inspire. Our events provide opportunities for survivors to express themselves, learn, and grow, while also raising awareness and vital funds for our programs.

Healing Through Creativity – Our Classes

At Petronela’s Hope, we provide a safe and supportive space for survivors of domestic violence—both children and adults—to express their emotions, heal, and rebuild confidence through art, music, dance, and therapy.

Art Classes

Art is a powerful tool for healing and self-expression. Our art classes offer survivors the chance to explore their creativity and release pain through:
  • Acrylic Painting
  • Oil Painting
  • Craft Work

    • Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, our supportive instructors will guide you step-by-step as you create meaningful art and discover your talents.

    Dance Classes

    Movement helps release stress, improve confidence, and reconnect with joy. Our dance classes include:

    Zumba: A fun and energetic way to boost your mood and fitness.

    Latino Dance: Express yourself through rhythm, passion, and movement.

    Dance allows survivors to let go of tension, build strength, and feel alive again.

    Music Classes

    Music is a universal language of healing. Survivors can learn to play instruments, express themselves through sound, and find comfort in melody. We offer lessons in:
  • Drums
  • Piano
  • Guitar
  • Saxophone
  • Violin

    Our music teachers provide a compassionate environment for you to explore your musical talents, whether you’re learning for the first time or refining your skills.

    • Why Join Our Classes?

    A safe, supportive space for survivors to heal.

    Opportunities to express emotions through creativity and movement.

    Build confidence, community, and joy in your recovery journey.

    We believe that healing is possible, and through art, music, and dance, you can reclaim your voice and find peace.

    Join a Class Today

    Charity Activities

    Our charity (1207298) is dedicated to supporting clients affected by domestic violence through a comprehensive range of services. These services are free for individuals receiving Universal Credit or those with a low income. We offer the following:

    24-Hour Helpline

    Clients can reach out to us anytime for immediate support and assistance.

    Basic Necessities

    If clients are in financial need, we provide clothing and food.

    ⁠Educational Support

    We assist with enrolling children in school to ensure their continued education.

    ⁠Legal Assistance

    We provide legal advice and access to solicitors for victims of domestic violence.

    Long term support to single parents:

    We serve all single parents who request our assistance, ensuring they have the resources they need over time.

    ⁠Continuous Support

    We believe in our clients and provide steadfast support from the beginning to the end of their journey.

    ⁠Home Furnishing

    We take care of setting up and furnishing the entire home for our clients.

    Benefits Application

    Our team advises and helps clients apply for necessary benefits to aid their recovery.

    Counseling Services

    Our counseling services are specifically tailored for victims of domestic violence.

    Interpreter services:

    To further assist our diverse clientele and overcome language barriers, we offer interpreter services in Slovak, Czech, French, Romanian, Bulgarian, Russian, Spanish, and Polish.

    ⁠Housing Assistance

    We help clients find suitable accommodation to ensure a safe and secure living environment.

    ⁠Police Assistance

    We accompany clients to the police station if they wish to make a statement.

    ⁠Advocacy

    We offer advocacy services to support clients' rights and needs.

    ⁠Free Therapy Sessions

    We offer free therapy sessions, including art, music, and dance therapy, to help clients heal and express themselves creatively.

    Support for Homelessness and Low-Income Families

    We provide guidance and assistance for those experiencing homelessness or living in low-income situations, helping them access social support, secure housing, and navigate benefit applications. Our charity also offers food delivery and collection services from Monday to Friday, excluding Wednesdays.

    Our mission is to empower and assist individuals affected by domestic violence by providing comprehensive resources and support. We don’t just focus on helping them escape their current situation; we are committed to transforming their lives for the better from every perspective.

    Our holistic approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive support—emotional, legal, educational, and practical. We focus on helping them not just survive, but truly thrive, enabling them to rebuild their lives in a safe and nurturing environment.

    Domestic Abuse

    Domestic abuse is a serious and widespread problem that affects millions of people every year. According to the latest statistics, the police registered 1,453,867 incidents and crimes related to domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. Sadly, women are the majority of the victims, accounting for 86% of the cases. The consequences of domestic abuse are devastating, leaving deep scars that require extensive support to heal. In the Medway towns, many vulnerable people face hopelessness and despair and may resort to homelessness, substance abuse, or even violence as a way of coping.

    Petronela's hope was set up as part of a healing process. Yes, we understand we can't stop domestic abuse; however, we strongly believe that we can open new doors and opportunities for victims to take back their lives, gain confidence, and boost their self-esteem through art, music, and dance. In 2024, we aim to reach out to victims within the Medway towns by offering them a safe place to get away from the abuse. Over the last couple of years, the people at Petronela's Hope have helped hundreds of families, both in Medway and across Europe.

    Founder

    My name is Petronela Zilik, and I have a remarkable story of resilience and recovery. I grew up in foster care homes in Slovakia, where I faced sexual and other forms of abuse that left me with significant mental health challenges. I also struggled with the lack of parental support and guidance.

    When I turned 18, I found myself homeless, addicted to drugs, and working as a prostitute. I had no hope or purpose in life. However, things changed when my step-grandmother reached out to me and helped me get back on my feet. She encouraged me to pursue my education and explore my talents in art, music, and dance. She was the first person in 20 years who believed in me and inspired me to overcome my problems.

    With her support, I sought therapy and rehabilitation—positive steps toward healing. Through art, music, and dance, I found a way to express my emotions and cope with my trauma.

    I learned to be an independent woman (with God's help), and I also received incredible support from strangers, for whom I am deeply grateful. This is why I now want to give back to others suffering from domestic violence. I want to share my story and my gifts through my art club, Hope, which aims to provide a safe and supportive space for survivors.

    I want to show them that there is always hope and that they deserve another chance to live a fulfilling life. I know how hard it is to live without parents, but I also know that happiness can be found by helping others in need, whether you have a family or not. I believe that Hope can make a difference in many lives.

    Petronela Zilik (Founder, Director of Petronela’s Hope)

    Website: www.PetronelaZilik.com

    Offer therapeutic art, music, and dance programs to help survivors express themselves and heal from trauma.
    Maintain safe spaces like our art club Hope, where survivors can find community and support.
    Provide resources and guidance to those in need, helping them rebuild their confidence and independence.

    Why Your Donation Matters

    Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Your generosity can:

    Help someone find hope and healing.

    Give survivors access to support programs and counseling.

    Empower individuals to start a new chapter in their lives.

    Choose How You Want to Give

    One-Time Gift

    Make an immediate impact with a one-time donation. Your contribution will go directly to programs that provide survivors with the support and resources they need.

    Give a One-Time Gift

    By giving monthly, you provide consistent support for survivors. Your recurring gift helps sustain

    Join the Hope Giver Program (Monthly Giving)

    How to Donate

    Donating is easy and secure:

    Online

    Bank Transfer

    Name: Petronela’s Hope
    Sort code: 309950
    Account: 50710062

    Other Ways to Give

    Contact us via email.

    Thank you for believing in hope and recovery. Together, we can make a real impact.

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    ©2024. Petronela’s Hope Charity. All Rights Reserved.

    Registered charity number 1207298