Aneta was a survivor of domestic violence while still in her first marriage in Poland from which she freed herself and her 4 children over 20 years ago. Aneta is the founder of OPOKA a culturally specific service for Polish women and their children experiencing domestic violence and abuse in the UK. She has worked as a specialist bilingual advocate for victims of abuse for nearly 12 years with in-depth knowledge of dealing with domestic violence and sexual abuse. She is accredited as a bilingual IDVA, ISVA and YPVA. She holds a Diploma in Domestic Violence Prevention and Early Intervention and has proven experience in developing and managing specialist services. Through OPOKA's work she provides safe and effective support, intervention in domestic violence situations as well as preventing further violence. She arrived in the UK in 2005, and like most migrants has progressed from learning a new language, working in the cleaning, construction and hospitality industry to developing and investing in herself by learning new skills. Aneta has grown vey much as a person, she found a strength to gain knowledge by retraining herself in order to be able to work in a 3rd sector. Her new career started in supporting victims of crimes: in Victim Support and Domestic Abuse services in roles such as specialist IDVA ISVA, DV Outreach and Young Persons Violence Advisor. She brings a range of skills and knowledge that are essential for any professional offering emotional and practical support and information to victims of violence and abuse. Her latest project is the UK's first Safe Homes with specialist and structured support for Polish women and their children, which opened on Polish 'Mother's Day' on 26 May 2023.