Survivor Speakers

Request a Survivor Speaker

‘Request a Survivor Speaker’ is a resource that connects organizations with survivor speakers who share their stories to raise awareness about ending violence against women and girls. Each speaker has agreed to be featured here, with the option to accept or decline any request.

If you’d like to invite a survivor speaker for your event, please fill out the form below with your organization’s details, the event date and time, a brief description, and any speaker preferences.

Tracy Coaton

Tracy is a powerful advocate for women affected by domestic violence. She’s trained in Domestic Violence support, and she’s becoming a Trauma-Informed Coach, using her story to show other women what’s possible. Tracy doesn’t just speak about survival; she embodies the promise of reclaiming joy, peace, and a life worth fighting for. Her message is one of hope and resilience, of transforming pain into purpose.

Maddie Anlezark

Book Maddie to speak and witness the transformative power of a survivor who found her voice and now uses it to light the way for others. Her story isn’t just inspiring – it’s a call to hope, resilience, and the healing power of community.

Tracy Broadfield

Tracy’s story is one of courage, resilience, and a fierce dedication to helping others find their way to freedom and safety. Her words will remind you that there is always a path forward, no matter how dark the journey has been, and that finding your own strength can change everything.

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Tracy Coaton

Meet Tracy – a beacon of strength, resilience, and unwavering hope. Her journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After enduring years of emotional and physical abuse, Tracy made the brave decision to leave her marriage, determined to protect her two young children and find a life filled with peace and freedom. But leaving was just the beginning of her fight. From facing homelessness and navigating the challenges of raising a son with autism to enduring relentless control from her ex-husband, Tracy’s path was anything but easy.

Then came a turning point: joining Voices of Hope’s Sisterhood Choir. In this circle of support, Tracy found women who not only understood her story but shared her pain and lifted her spirits. As she says, “It was like someone put an arm around my shoulder.” With each choir practice, Tracy found her strength renewed, giving her the courage to face a heart-wrenching custody battle that left her fighting for her children and for herself.

Today, Tracy is a powerful advocate for women affected by domestic violence. She’s trained in Domestic Violence support, and she’s becoming a Trauma-Informed Coach, using her story to show other women what’s possible. Tracy doesn’t just speak about survival; she embodies the promise of reclaiming joy, peace, and a life worth fighting for. Her message is one of hope and resilience, of transforming pain into purpose.

Bring Tracy to speak, and experience firsthand the strength of a woman who’s not only rebuilt her life but is using her journey to inspire others to believe in their own power and resilience. Tracy’s story will remind you that even in the darkest times, there is always a way forward, and freedom is within reach.

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Maddie Anlezark

Meet Maddie – a woman who embodies resilience, courage, and hope. Her story is one of profound transformation, rising from a life marked by deep wounds to one filled with purpose, strength, and unshakable compassion. Maddie grew up in a world of chaos, shouldering responsibilities no child should ever bear. Amid neglect and abuse, she became the glue for her fractured family, forced to play the role of caregiver while carrying scars of trauma that no one saw, wounds that silenced her for years.

But Maddie’s journey took a turn when she found *Voices of Hope’s Women’s Hub.* There, she stepped into a healing space that finally allowed her to breathe, to feel, and to connect. Singing in the Voices of Hope choir, Maddie reclaimed her voice, letting it soar and releasing years of buried pain. And in the Sanctuary group, she found a community of women who understood her story, forming connections that slowly dissolved her isolation and filled her heart with hope.

Now, Maddie’s journey has come full circle. She’s no longer only healing – she’s leading, guiding, and uplifting others. As a peer mentor, she opens up about her own story to give others the courage to face their own struggles. Her words come from a place of raw, lived experience, offering deep compassion and understanding. She’s living proof of what transformation looks like and how, with the right support, unimaginable pain can become a powerful source of strength.

Book Maddie to speak and witness the transformative power of a survivor who found her voice and now uses it to light the way for others. Her story isn’t just inspiring – it’s a call to hope, resilience, and the healing power of community. “Positive can come out of painful experiences,” she reflects. “My suffering has become a passion to help others and make the world a better place in whatever small way I can.”

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Tracy Broadfield

Tracy’s journey is one of resilience through immense hardship. She met her first love at 17, and they reconnected years later after both had gone through divorces. He moved in, but it wasn’t long before Tracy discovered his struggles with alcohol dependency and the cycle of abuse began. Her health declined over time, leading to major hip surgery – yet he refused to help, often belittling her for her weight and disability. As his behaviour grew more threatening, Tracy found herself isolated and enduring worsening abuse.

In 2012, during a terrifying outburst, he threatened her with a meat cleaver, leading to his arrest. Even then, his manipulation continued from prison, pulling her back into the relationship despite the trauma she had endured. More surgeries followed, and with them came deeper isolation and control. When COVID lockdowns hit, the situation grew even more dangerous as his drinking, drug use, and violence escalated. Finally, in 2021, he left, telling Tracy he’d found someone else. Although she felt panic at first, she soon realised she could stand on her own. Tracy marked her 50th birthday free from fear and began to reclaim her life, cutting ties with him completely.

Inspired by attending the Pearl Project Awards in 2022, Tracy began rebuilding her life on her own terms. She gained new qualifications, began volunteering with Voices of Hope, and reclaimed her life with her children by her side. Today, she’s a powerful advocate, speaking out so others can see that freedom is possible, that hope is real, and that healing is within reach.

Book Tracy to speak, and hear firsthand the story of a woman who’s reclaimed her life from the depths of abuse and isolation. Tracy’s story is one of courage, resilience, and a fierce dedication to helping others find their way to freedom and safety. Her words will remind you that there is always a path forward, no matter how dark the journey has been, and that finding your own strength can change everything.

Request a Survivor Speaker

‘Request a Survivor Speaker’ is a resource that connects organizations with survivor speakers who share their stories to raise awareness about ending violence against women and girls. Each speaker has agreed to be featured here, with the option to accept or decline any request.

If you’d like to invite a survivor speaker for your event, please fill out the form below with your organization’s details, the event date and time, a brief description, and any speaker preferences.

Please note: All data given will be held in line with our data protection policy.

K Reekie
Karen Reekie

Independant Advocate – Women’s Services 

Karen is our independent advocate who works supporting women who need help with accessing services or rights they are entitled to, and admin needs. She works at Kingston and also at our Elmbridge Women’s hub.

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