Cairns domestic violence victims need vital services, says Ruth’s Shelter client

Without the support of Ruth’s Shelter, this Far North survivor of domestic violence felt she had few options.

WOMEN fleeing domestic violence harbour thoughts of suicide and the support services including crisis accommodation are vital, says one former client of Ruth’s Shelter in Cairns.

Laura — whose real name cannot be used due to ongoing legal proceedings — lived a typical middle-class life on the northern beaches with her two children and partner but over time, things got worse.

The energetic woman is full of vitality and purpose today but remembers the dark days.

A Cairns victim of domestic violence said it began gradually and escalated and “chipped away at her soul”. Picture: stock image

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“I can’t even say when it began, it starts slowly, it chips at your soul,” she said.

“I was in a situation like many women, with a house and partner, and I ended up on the street. Ruth’s Shelter — I don’t have the words to thank them enough.”

A professional in her late 30s, Laura said it was confronting to find herself in a shelter.

“It was not a real nice position to be in, but on the other hand it was humbling to meet the other women there, and it was a blessing,” she said.

“They had so much information on other services that were available to me, counselling, all these things, I had no idea, I was completely unaware. They helped me find new accommodation, they provided so much.”

Laura has custody of her children, has resumed her career and has a growing sense of self-worth.

“Now, I won’t allow myself to be a victim. I have been a victim,” she said.

“I think a lot of women would have been suicidal if they hadn’t been able to access the service.”

WHERE TO GET HELP

If you know someone who wants to leave an abusive relationship or who would like to explore their options, they can call the 24-7 statewide domestic violence telephone service on 1800 811 811. Help is also available at 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732, the sexual assault helpline on 1800 010 120, Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, and in an emergency call triple-0.

DVOS DON’T WORK

Statistics suggest there is little regard for domestic violence protection orders, with breach offences up by almost 20 per cent to 33,811 across Queensland and 3327 in the Far North, according to the State Crime Report 2019-20 released on Friday.

The Far North accounted for almost 9 per cent of domestic violence protection applications statewide.

Originally published as Cairns domestic violence victims need vital services, says Ruth’s Shelter client