What does the road to recovery look like after domestic and family violence? One woman shared her journey.
For most women who have escaped domestic and family violence, counselling and other specialist support services from organisations such as BaptistCare are more than a help – they are a lifeline.
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20 May 2024
Stories
| HopeStreet, BaptistCare
Content warning: This article includes details about domestic violence that some readers may find confronting.
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The situation in Australia is alarming right now, as a woman loses her life to domestic and family violence every four days. In NSW, the high rates of violence in rural, regional and remote areas are incredibly troubling, with very little available in the way of support services for those in need.
Couple this with a major shortage in emergency housing, as well as geographical and social isolation, there are major challenges to overcome for women attempting to escape a violent situation at home.
Women living in regional towns also face “small town syndrome” - where everyone knows everyone, which can further complicate an already dangerous situation.
Mary’s story
Mary (not her real name) was forced to leave her country town years ago, attempting to find safety amongst strangers in a city. She shared with us that she found it incredibly hard to be honest about what was happening to her at home with those who lived in her small town, and often, she wasn’t believed.
“Unfortunately, like so many victims, I had been condemned and blamed by my country community.”
The crucial role of counselling
Escaping to the city, Mary was able to access counselling from BaptistCare, and slowly began rebuilding her life.
“I really “lucked in” when I was referred to BaptistCare,” she said.
Mary had suffered physical, emotional and mental abuse by her ex-husband, and her counsellor was one of the first people who not only believed her story, but believed in her resilience and strength to rebuild.
It was a long road of recovery for Mary, who says counselling was instrumental in helping her to come to terms with what she had been through.
“You can’t make sense of it, but eventually, you can understand that it wasn’t your fault.”
Free from shame
BaptistCare’s Counselling Services provide women with a safe place to take refuge, along with clinically trained counsellors who specialise in domestic and family violence. They work with women by supporting and connecting them with others who are working through similarly complex issues, including family violence.
In addition to one-on-one counselling, the counselling team also provide domestic and family violence support groups and programs, including:
- Living Beyond Abuse for women who have experienced violence
- Pathways to Parenting for women whose relationship with their children has been impacted
- Brave Me which helps children aged 8-12 years old to find confidence and resilience after experiencing family violence and adversity, and;
- Facing Up for men who are seeking support to end their abusive behaviour in relationships.
“The counselling program holds you together while you’re recovering. You become free from the shame, it empowers you; it may not fix what’s happened, but it helps you believe in yourself,” says Mary.
Play your part in ending domestic and family violence for good.
With government funding unable to meet the rapidly increasing numbers of family and domestic violence cases across the country, BaptistCare relies on generous donors like you to deliver critical services to women and children escaping violence and trying to rebuild their lives.
The organisation’s annual fundraising event, the Halo Ball, is an important opportunity to raise vital funds.
This year’s event (20 September, Hilton Sydney) aims to raise more than $400,000 for BaptistCare HopeStreet‘s programs, which support women and children with a transformative path of restoration, empowerment and hope, assisting families as they rebuild their lives.
Just one year after telling her story on film, Mary joined guests at BaptistCare’s Halo Ball, and shared how she was travelling after years of counselling support.
“My life is happy, and most importantly, I am safe. Not only have I reclaimed my life, but I have also reclaimed my dignity as a woman, my dignity as a mother, and my dignity as a member of our society.”
Your sponsorship at our upcoming Halo Ball could be life-changing for a woman like Mary.
To find out more, or to buy tickets for the event, visit Halo Ball 2024 | BaptistCare
The work of BaptistCare HopeStreet
If you want to learn more about BaptistCare HopeStreet’s work in this space, or wish to access our support services, please contact us via the enquiry form below.
You can also drop into any of our HopeStreet centres for local face-to-face support with a personal case worker. Our HopeStreet staff can support with:
- Homelessness services including a free, wholesome meal and crisis food packages
- Children’s counselling services and support with school supplies
- Advice on accessing social and affordable housing
- Connecting you with local agencies and support groups
Connecting you with local crisis accommodation
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic or family violence, help is available.
- For more information about BaptistCare HopeStreet’s domestic and family violence services, visit Domestic Violence | BaptistCare
- For immediate assistance 24/7 you can contact 1800RESPECT.org.au via phone, online chat, text message or video call.
- In an emergency, please call 000.
For men who need support with their relationship, contact Mens Referral Service via ntv.org.au/mrs/ or MensLine Australia via mensline.org.au
Further support:
- National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007
- FACS housing support - Housing and homelessness | Family & Community Services (nsw.gov.au)
- OneLink support services in ACT on 1800 176 468 or at onelink.org.au
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can call the free Mob Strong Debt Helpline on 1800 808 488. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm.