AI and VR therapy transforms trauma recovery for abuse survivors
In the UK alone, millions of survivors of domestic abuse are left without the mental health support they urgently need. Long NHS waitlists, high return rates to crisis services, and a lack of trauma-informed resources leave survivors in limbo – often retraumatised by the very systems meant to help them heal.
UKind Therapy CIC, an innovation-led social enterprise, is changing that.
The problem: a hidden mental health crisis
Survivors of domestic abuse face complex psychological trauma – yet most are placed on year-long waitlists, expected to navigate inaccessible systems, or told to repeatedly relive their trauma to access support.
We spoke with Qursam Hina, a young woman with lived experience, who recently shared her story on stage at Future Voices 2025: “There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. For so long, I thought no one would ever understand. Now I use my story to create change. I want other survivors to know they’re not alone.”
Qursam is now part of the UKind Therapy team, shaping the future of trauma recovery from the inside out.
The research: listening to survivors
Through a pre-literature review we have proved concept and insights from 25+ survivors, UKind Therapy uncovered recurring themes:
- PTSD and trauma bonding
- Lack of affordable, timely support
- Fear of being re-triggered
- Cultural, language, and disability access barriers
Digital tools, especially those that offer immediate, private, and stigma-free access, emerged as a vital untapped solution.
The solution: VR & AI-powered therapy
The result? UKind XR, an AI-enhanced VR therapy platform providing trauma-informed, gamified mental health support.
Survivors use the VR system and companion mobile app to access grounding exercises, therapeutic prompts, guided journaling, and their AI Ally, a non-judgmental support tool they can speak to anytime.
This ensures survivors are never left alone and never have to repeat their story unnecessarily. Therapists or services receive secure updates through a custom dashboard, allowing for targeted intervention and safeguarding where needed.
Real-world trials and partnerships
The software is now being trialled with five partner organisations, including Reflections CIC, Staying Put, and New Beginnings CIC, embedding UKind XR directly into survivor support frameworks.
The therapy tool is designed to reduce re-entry rates (currently 32%) by half, freeing up crisis services while improving long-term outcomes for survivors.
Impact that grows with survivors
UKind XR is inclusive by design. It’s been co-created with survivors, psychologists, and learning-disabled adults to ensure accessibility at every level. It supports people before, during, and after therapy, building confidence, purpose, and autonomy through every stage of healing.
How businesses can support this work
Social innovation needs community backing. UKind Therapy is currently seeking CSR partnerships, funders, and aligned businesses who want to contribute to long-term healing through meaningful impact.
Whether it’s sponsoring headsets, offering team training, or amplifying this mission, your support helps reach more survivors like Qursam.
Final word from Amanda, Founder of UKind Therapy CIC: “Healing doesn’t have to wait. We’re building a future where support is instant, inclusive, and survivor-led. With the right tech and community, we can revolutionise how we recover from trauma, for good.”
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