DV survivor Samara Rhodes helps Logan women in abusive relationships

A DV survivor has created a safe space for Logan women in trouble, with a Facebook group providing resources and educating the local community.

A local domestic violence survivor is helping Logan women in abusive relationships, and is providing a safe space for them to share their stories anonymously.

Eagleby mum of three Samara Rhodes said she fled to Logan from Melbourne two years ago when she escaped the terrifying reality of her own abusive relationship.

“I endured almost four long years and like many others at the start I couldn’t recognise the warning signs of emotional abuse and was making excuses for my partner’s behaviour before it turned into something more physical,” Ms Rhodes said.

“I was so isolated. I had no support from the outside world.

“I tried to reach out to a local charity for help. I was unfortunately turned away because my children and I had a roof over our heads.”

Ms Rhodes said she had no one to turn to and it took awhile for her to get back on her feet.

She is now living in Eagleby with her three children, has met her new supportive and loving partner, and is working as a health insurance consultant.

Just a few weeks ago Ms Rhodes created a Logan Facebook page for women struggling in DV relationships.

“We as a community need to come together and share domestic violence awareness...it’s a page where women can go to feel safe, heard and supported by local woman within our community,” she said.

“I’ve had a lot of responses from young woman especially young mums who are not only experiencing DV but also falling under hard times financially.

Eagleby mum of three Samara Rhodes said she fled to Logan from Melbourne two years ago when she escaped the terrifying reality of her own relationship. Photo: contributed.

“These young woman are not reaching out to charities for help like they used to. I feel social media is definitely the new way to reach out to our women who are in difficult times and experiencing domestic violence. Some woman are unaware that they are in a DV relationship.”

Ms Rhodes said her group was a platform where woman could advertise what they need and the local community could come together and donate the items.

“I sometimes do emergency drop offs, people feel comfortable enough to ask me if I can help them find something in particular they need,” she said.

“I’ve met and heard some amazing stories already, and my work has only just begun.

“A lot of women are also putting up anonymous posts to get some help in their situation.”

One of the anonymous posts asks locals whether they would leave an abusive relationship only to struggle financially or stay and suffer in silence.

Another local woman anonymously wrote that she was scared to leave her relationship.

“He’s verbally abusive to me and used to be physically abusive but that’s stopped,” she wrote. “He treats me like his servant I have to do everything.

“I’ve tried in the past to leave and he threatens me.”

Ms Rhodes is providing emotional support to woman like this along with taking donations for essentials, blankets, food, clothing, furniture, and more which she is then giving to women in need.

“I feel more education around the different types of abuse and what DV actually looks like,” she said.

“DV especially within our community needs to be addressed, I would honestly love to see DV educational programs implemented within our local high schools to bring awareness. This is something I’m currently working on.

“I encourage people to donate. Not just to me, but directly to the families affected and hear their stories and hardships.

“I have had a lot of positive feedback within the community and also endured some negative feedback in regards to the work I’m doing, some people are suggesting I should be leaving this up to the charities.

“At this stage it’s just myself, I’m definitely looking for more volunteers.”

You can join Womans Support From Domestic Abuse Beenleigh if you would like to donate or need help.