Jane* is an older woman from a culturally and linguistically diverse background who left a domestic and family violence relationship of 12 years. In addition to being physically violent, Jane’s ex-partner prevented her from obtaining employment and was always suspicious of who she was with and who she was contacting.

Afraid and unsure of where to go for help, Jane went to the local hospital. The hospital referred her to two women’s shelters where she stayed before going to Yaralla Cottages – a transitional housing program supported by Mission Australia. Yaralla Cottages comprises 24 one-bedroom units and caters for single women aged over 35 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Women typically stay for six months, or until they can be supported into longer-term housing.

After being diagnosed with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other medical conditions, Jane was referred to Victims Services NSW for counselling to begin processing what she had been through. She also attended After the Storm – a program designed for women who have escaped domestic and family violence situations – and a parenting course. Jane’s 10-year-old son is in foster care and she sees him one weekend a month.

Jane is currently enrolled in a TAFE-accredited outreach course designed to help people to determine career pathways. This is a big step for Jane who was only previously able to undertake three shifts of a cleaning job throughout the year due to her ex-partner’s behaviour.

Mission Australia is providing Jane with ongoing support to obtain long-term housing and advocating for her to be granted priority housing in an area close to her support service and counsellor. Jane is also working towards regaining custody of her son.

Help women like Jane

When you invest in the lives of women like Jane, you provide much needed support for women who are forced to leave their homes and start over, often with little more than the clothes on their back.

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:

  • If your life is in danger, contact emergency services on 000 immediately.

*Names changed to protect the people we help

Out of the shadows

Understanding domestic and family violence

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