Domestic abuse survivor Tanya Boyd motivates Ipswich bars to raise money for Lighthouse Women’s Aid

Tanya has created purple ribbons for the event. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Tanya Boyd has motivated businesses in the town centre to collect cash for Lighthouse Women’s Aid on Saturday, October 28, to mark the close of Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.

The 35-year-old has rallied together friends and made 1,000 purple ribbons that punters will be able to pick up in exchange for a donation at a number of nightspots, including Sin bar, of which Miss Boyd is the manager, Bowmans, Cock and Pye, Unit 17, Shamrock, Degero, KC’s, Yates, The Rep and Rays.

Miss Boyd will also be patrolling the town with a bucket garnering further contributions to Lighthouse, which helps women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse in Suffolk.

“I have never heard of a whole town coming together to support one cause, that’s quite amazing I think,” Miss Boyd said.

Money collected will go to Lighthouse Women's Aid. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

In January this year, Matthew Kersey, then 34 and of Campbell Road, Ipswich, was jailed for 20 weeks after admitting to assaulting Miss Boyd by beating when she was 25 weeks pregnant, as well as criminal damage.

“I have learnt that domestic abuse actually rises when a woman is pregnant and I was totally unaware, but I didn’t think my ex would have done what he did to me,” she said. “I was horrified and I still struggle day to day with it. I can’t get my head around it. Why? That’s the question I would have for him.”

The couple had been together for two years when the assault happened.

Miss Boyd, who is mother to Harrison, nine, and nine-month-old Henley, was assigned an independent domestic violence advocate (IDVA) by Lighthouse to support her and help her through the court process.

“She was absolutely amazing,” Miss Boyd said.

To donate to Miss Boyd’s cause online, see here.