Stories - 16 Days, 16 Stories

As long as he is breathing and is alive, we will never be safe, says Emma of her abusive ex-husband. Systems designed to protect us don’t do enough and technology abuse is in the too-hard basket. You can’t fix an abuser – but you can support kids and change systems.

Shy as a child, Tinashe initially didn’t see her boyfriend’s lavish attention as anything more than romantic. But as his control tightened, she saw his abuse for what it was. Here, she shares her story of navigating spousal visas as an immigrant in Australia, and choosing to vanquish shame for good.

Tameka speaks to the scope of family violence and how different generations deepen their understanding of what constitutes harm. A senior solicitor at Djinda Service, she explores the role of specialist Aboriginal family violence services and general community awareness in tackling violence.

Witnessing her mother’s abusive relationship didn’t stop Sheree from finding herself in one at 16. Here, she shares her deeply personal story of healing from violence, and working to help teenagers–like her daughter–recognise relationship red flags for themselves.

"There is no suburb of Australia that doesn't have this," says survivor and advocate Sarah on the pervasive nature of domestic violence. Here, Sarah outlines the power of #MeToo, new dialogues, and intersectional approaches to ending harm for good.

It took six years of silence before someone thought to ask Roia–a young, immigrant, mother-of-four in an abusive relationship–if she needed help. Here, she tells her harrowing story of escaping violence, navigating faith and culture, and listening to other women.

Rehab takes us through the complexities of faith and community, sharing her story of immigration and closed-door violence–how her community believed her abusive husband’s public persona, why she chose to return to Australia after leaving him, and why he’s the real victim of this story.

"Within you is everything that you need to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma," says Mary. She shares about strength, self-worth and healing, in a deeply personal story of recovering from rock bottom.

On the outside it’s neat and tidy; on the inside, it’s a war zone. Carrie speaks frankly about her history of abusive relationships, getting out for her son, the strength of survivors, and the need for humanity and empathy within systems supposed to help.