Judy’s Story

Judy* is an Aboriginal woman with four children aged between 10 months and nine years. When she was 29, Judy and the children moved to Walgett after experiencing violence from her partner. Judy and the children were living in private rental accommodation but were forced to leave when it became a health hazard due to the poor condition it was in. She wanted to stay in Walgett where she had a lot of family support but couldn’t find any housing options. Before long, she and her children were forced into homelessness.

Judy reached out to Mission Australia’s Walgett Specialist Homelessness Service. The family was initially provided short-term accommodation in the women’s refuge, and Judy was supported with case management and counselling to address her anxiety and declining mental health.

Judy continued to search for private rental accommodation but was unable to find anything appropriate and affordable. Support workers helped her to apply for priority housing, although the wait list for a suitable home was extremely lengthy. Not knowing when a house would become available added to the uncertainty and anxiety of their situation.

Judy wanted to do everything she could to find accommodation, and completed budgeting and tenancy preparation programs while at the refuge.

Today, things are looking up for Judy and her children. She has maintained a lease for more than 12 months, is working at the local preschool and studying to further her education. Despite all that she has been through, she now feels at peace and is filled with hope for the future.

Help young families like Judy’s

When you invest in a family like Judy’s, you help provide a safe home environment and a strong support network for them to live, learn and thrive.

Please donate today or consider leaving a gift in your Will to help Australian families affected by domestic and family violence.

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Know someone affected by domestic and family violence?

If you are experiencing abuse or violence it is not your fault. There are support services that can help you. If your life is in danger, call 000. For 24/7 domestic violence counselling call the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Where to get help

Acknowledging that one of your relationships may be unhealthy or potentially harmful can be overwhelming to cope on your own. It can also be difficult to see the bigger context when trying to look at a relationship outside of our own lens. Whether it’s a relationship you need help navigating, a behaviour you want to change or advice to support a loved one involved in an unhealthy relationship, reach out to: