“I myself had to go to Womens aid (Monklands), my family and I were getting abused. I was 13 at the time.  Refuge is a safe environment for kids and adults to live, it is also a safe place because it gets you away from the abuse and violence. My family and I were in refuge for a couple of months.  It was a nice place.  I didn’t go out much because I didn’t know anyone that stayed round that area.  After a few months we decided to stick with that area, so we moved as we didn’t need to be in refuge anymore.  Now I am 14, turning 15 in November. A lot has changed over the past two years of my life, my worker and the refuge really helped.  I’d like to thank them for everything they have done for me and my family.  Now I’m in 4^th year and I’m doing really well in school and made loads of new friends.  I get on with everyone now, I couldn’t have done it without Monklands Womens aid. Although I don’t stay in refuge anymore I still speak to my worker all about my problems. It makes you feel so much better.  JUST REMEMBER CHANGES ARE GOOD, EVERYTHING FALLS INTO PLACE IN THE END.  IT DID FOR ME AND MY LIFE WAS HARD.   F (14)