Cheryl Sharp on Leaving, Rebuilding and the Life She Built on the Other Side
Cheryl Sharp was sitting in her utility room, fearing for her life, when she tried to call a friend and then her brother. Neither answered. She had no plan, no money and no idea how she was going to get out. She just knew she had to.
Photo: Cheryl Sharp
What followed was years of rebuilding as a mother, as a professional, as a person. She retrained as an accountant while raising two children alone, kept notes of every win and every piece of good feedback, and slowly rebuilt the self-belief that years of abuse had stripped away. Today, she runs Pink Pig Financials, a thriving accountancy firm with a team of seven, and mentors other women who've left abusive relationships and need help building financial independence.
This is a story about what freedom actually costs, and what it makes possible.
What was the moment you truly knew you had to leave the relationship? Was there a catalyst?
CHERYL: There was one particular incident when I knew it could no longer go on. I was sat in my utility room, fearing for my life. I tried calling a friend and then my brother, but neither answered. I knew I needed to get out, but I had no idea how. It wasn’t until a while later, when he left thinking I’d beg him to come back, that I saw my chance. I found some strength and started putting things in motion.
How did you find the courage to start over without a safety net?
CHERYL: Something inside me just switched. I didn’t believe I could do it, but I knew I had to. I had to stay strong and keep going.
Were there times you wanted to give up? What kept you going?
CHERYL: Quite a few. But I remembered how awful it was. Even though life was hard, especially with the children and no money, I had a little light at the end of the tunnel. At home, I was mostly safe. I could breathe. I started finding little bits of me I’d lost. The thought of one day being fully safe and free was worth it. I can be stubborn, so I dug my heels in and reminded myself what I was doing it for.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about leaving domestic abuse?
CHERYL: That it’s not easy in the slightest. The phrase “why didn’t you just leave?” needs to stop. There are so many complexities. And just because you leave the home doesn’t mean the abuse stops - it just changes form. Post-separation abuse is real, and it can slow the healing process, especially when there are children involved.
How did your self-confidence evolve throughout this journey?
CHERYL: After years of being told I was worthless, my self-confidence was at rock bottom. Leaving gave me an initial boost - I was proud of myself - but post-separation abuse chipped away at that. Being offered some accounting work by a friend helped me build a little confidence. I was good at it, and the feedback reminded me I was capable. I started keeping notes of every win, every bit of good feedback - something I still do now.
What were the key moments that rebuilt your self-esteem?
CHERYL: Three moments stand out. First, meeting my husband James - he believed in me until I could believe in myself. Second, reporting everything to the police and having them validate my experience as one of the worst cases of coercive control they’d seen, and third, working with my coach on my mindset. Over time, feedback from my peers, team, and clients has helped me see how far I’ve come.
What does confidence look like to you now?
CHERYL: I feel like a completely different person. I know what I’m capable of and that I make a difference. I still have wobbles and impostor syndrome, but they don’t last long - I have tools to pull myself out. I even see those moments as signs I’m growing.
How do you lead differently because of your personal experiences?
CHERYL: I’m a more compassionate leader. I’m open with my team about feeling nervous or vulnerable, and I share the lows as well as the highs. That openness encourages them to do the same. I’m fiercely protective of them, and I can spot when someone needs a confidence boost.
What inspired you to mentor other women who’ve escaped domestic abuse?
CHERYL: I want to be the person I wish I’d had back then. To show what’s possible - that there is life after abuse.
What are the biggest barriers women face when trying to rebuild financial independence?
CHERYL: Often it’s their own self-belief. Not believing they can get there. And not knowing where to start, we’re not taught how to manage money or how tax works. That knowledge made such a difference for me
What can businesses do to better support staff experiencing domestic abuse?
CHERYL: Start with a policy. Even if it’s basic, it signals you take it seriously. Then look at practical measures: change contact details so an abuser can’t reach them at work, adjust start and finish times, change payroll details, or give time off to sort housing or legal matters. But most importantly, ask the employee what they need - everyone’s needs are different.
When you look back, what are you most proud of?
CHERYL: My strength and resilience. It’s not been easy, but staying focused on building a better future for myself, my family, and other survivors keeps me going.
What does success mean to you today?
CHERYL: Freedom. Being able to do the things I love, with the people I love, while supporting others in their journey to freedom.
If anything in this piece has resonated personally, support is available. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is free and confidential — call 0808 2000 247 or visit nationaldahelpline.org.uk.