‘They don’t have a voice. I’m giving them mine’: Erin Molan’s emotional update after going public with domestic violence

TV host Erin Molan has shared the reality of the ‘horrific scourge’ faced by victim-survivors of domestic abuse, after opening up about her own experiences.

The recurring theme in the thousands of pieces of correspondence I received after sharing my story last month of surviving domestic violence was that I had a responsibility to use my voice, since most others who are trapped in this space don’t have one.

So, I want this column to be their space today, to give a voice to them – the people who matter most in this horrific scourge; those who are victims, those who have been victims and those who may not become victims because of the conversations we’re now having.

I give my column to all victim-survivors who reached out with support, as a compilation of their thoughts.

We selected a few from the thousands of messages that were received, from people telling me the same thing, over and over: that they don’t have a voice.

I’m giving them mine.

‘Horrific scourge’. Erin Molan has penned an emotional column about domestic violence for the latest issue of Stellar. Picture: Steven Chee for Stellar

Below are extracts from correspondence Erin Molan received from readers:

“Erin, I wanted to praise you for your courage in calling out the abuse you experienced. It takes an audacious attitude to speak, and at the right time in your life. I went through similar violence and abuse to the point I had to escape the country I was living in. It took many years before I could speak about it without being triggered. The first time I did, over 20 years later, I realised I still had triggers … I thank you for speaking out.”

“Just wanted to check in on you. As a survivor, I know how hard it is after ‘coming out’. It helps to break down the taboo; DV can and does happen to anyone. Many will reach out to share their stories, which can be so heartbreaking but means you have helped them feel solidarity. Thank you for helping to create real change.”

Read Erin’s full column inside Stellar. Picture: Christopher Ferguson for Stellar

“Your account of an abusive relationship stopped me dead in my tracks. I’m a father of two young girls and what you described is my number-one fear. I try to encourage my girls to achieve, be happy and confident. Knowing this has happened to you, a successful, intelligent, beautiful woman … It really can happen to anyone. You are very brave in telling your story. It will give people confidence to raise their voice in a similar situation.”

“You had the strength to stay in your previous relationship, you had strength to come forward and tell the world. Your experience has made you a stronger, independent person who is willing to help others. Keep it up. You are an inspiration to others who are in the same position.”

“I am a victim of domestic violence for 32 years. I am ready to join you to bring awareness to domestic abuse and be a voice to victims.”

“It is hard to understand why there is still a stigma attached to the survivor, not the abuser; why the world seems to think that domestic abuse is only happening in a certain income bracket and not in ‘their social circles’. THANK YOU for telling your truth – and know that you are not alone.”

“Very brave, Erin. Thank you. Any man that does that to a woman is not a man. Well done for sharing your story, and more importantly, the courage it takes. Your dad would be proud.”

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1800 RESPECT or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Erin Molan is a presenter on Sky News Australia. For more from Stellar, click here.