Amy’s Story
Amy had been with her partner for 8 years, 3 of which were long distance before she moved to Australia. Amy left her family and friends behind and embarked on her new life in Australia with her son. However life in Australia was not what she had imagined.
Amy soon realised her partner had alcohol and marijuana dependencies. These factors combined with his mental instability would often result in aggressive and explosive behaviour. During these episodes, he would kick Amy and her son out of the house or physically abuse Amy and her son. One time he threw Amy down the stairs in a fit of rage. It was then that Amy found out he had physically abused his daughter from a previous marriage.
Amy was scared but she was also alone. Without family, few friends aware of her situation and no government support, she was in an incredibly vulnerable position. Despite her fears, Amy chose to stay and try to make their relationship work. She hoped that eventually, things would get better.
One night, Amy and her family attended a BBQ together. The evening started well with drinks, food and pleasantries exchanged amongst friends. However, after jokes were made at the expense of Amy’s partner, the mood changed and they had to leave. Amy drove them home as her partner had been drinking heavily and was becoming increasingly agitated.
During the drive, Amy’s partner reached over and engaged the car’s handbrake causing the car to skid along the road at high speed. No one was injured but Amy was terrified and feared for her life and that of her son should the relationship continue in this way.
It was not long after this incident that Amy found herself referred to WRISC. Amy’s Case Manager was able to support her in leaving this abusive relationship safely and applying for an Intervention Order to keep them out of harm’s way. Due to Amy’s migration and visa status, she was unable to access government income support. WRISC was able to refer Amy to services to assist her through this time including material/food aid, counselling for herself and her son and assistance through the lengthy visa application process.
WRISC supported Amy with funding for her son’s schooling and Amy has now finished her degree and is working in a role relevant to her qualification. Amy is living independently with her son and WRISC is supporting Amy to maintain safety and improve quality of life. Amy and her son reside rurally and WRISC’s outreach programme has bridged the gap between where she lives and access to services.
Amy’s feedback:
“Thank you so much, WRISC. You’ve been such a big help for me and my son. I worry less because of your help and support. I don’t know what I would do without your support.”
*Name changed to protect identity