Simon....

I believe that if this is someone you want to spend time with & get to know better, you need to make some kind of move....
Whether it's asking her out for a coffee or a movie. It may just be you spend some time with her on your lunch break if you can....

I have been in this position (sort of) only I was the one being asked out by a fellow work mate & I was similar to you, I had no self value or esteem & didn't think I deserved that person.
But in the end, the feeling in my stomach took control & after being hurt so many times before, I jumped in head first & he & I are still together today!

Love & relationships are never easy & many times we are made to feel uncomfortable..... but if you don't give it a shot how will you ever know!!

One step at a time.... coffee first... Tell her you find her intriging & was wondering if she'd like to grab a coffee with you sometime coz you'd like to spend more time with her.

In regards to your abuse history & the "current" status of your social life, I wouldn't bring these things up to begin with.
If you don't act on that feeling inside your stomach, it will eat away at you (trust me!!) just be true to your feelings & if she says no even to having a coffee with you, then she doesn't know what she's missing out on!

I've sent you a PM about this.
(((((((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))))))

Flinty