YWCA Australia’s family and domestic violence programs and services in Darwin help women and their families find safety and support. Demand for these services are reaching crisis levels but you can help make a difference.
Leaving a decade-long unsafe relationship with her two young children wasn’t easy for Angela*. And while things improved significantly for her once they’d separated, her former partner still tried to assert control in a few areas of her life, including the custody arrangements with their children.
Angela was referred to YWCA Australia after reaching out to police when her former partner failed to return the children after a visit.
Our team worked with Angela to understand her journey and what support we could provide her and her children to feel safe, heal and build the lives they want for themselves.
“The team are so supportive and so knowledgeable, and they explain it in a way that you understand – no matter what kind of education or background you have.”
“Having someone that's able to help you identify the cycle of abuse in the patterns and helps keep you strong.”
Our Keeping Women’s Safe in their Homes team undertook an assessment on Angela’s home, and made security upgrades including updating the locks, installing a ring camera doorbell and installing security lights.
“Those security upgrades really give me that little bit more peace of mind.”
Angela worked with a case manager for other support, including navigating the legal system, accessing the escaping violence payment and counselling through YWCA.
“My counsellor has supported me to see where my strengths and my weaknesses lie, so I can heal. I think the biggest support really has just been having someone there who can reassure me that I'm doing the right thing.”
While things are a lot better for Angela, she’s still in the middle of legal disputes with her ex-partner. Through it all, she’s in regular contact with her YWCA case worker and counsellor.
“The team make you feel like you're not just a number. You're not just forgotten about either. You are a person that's worthy of help, no matter what your background.”
“They've both gone above and beyond to find ways of helping.”
Your financial support can help give women like Angela find safety and security and offer hope for a fresh start.