Survivor Stories – safe steps Family Violence Response Centre

Real women sharing their real experiences of overcoming abuse

Renay's story

"We all need to understand that family violence impacts lives for generations, but we as a society have the power to stop it. All of us must stand up against all forms of abuse and break the cycle here and now."

Suchitra's story

"By sharing my story I have been able to seal out the shame that thrives in secrecy and shadows. By shedding light on the atrocities that I endured, I can change community attitudes and hopefully give others that may still be suffering strength."

Cathy's story

"It is the proudest achievement of my life that I was able to help bring about changes so that some women in the future will not have to go through some of the challenges I faced."

Tracey's story

"Deciding to leave was the best change I ever made. Where I used to punish myself for going back to him or believing in his promises, now I celebrate my freedom from violence."

Lynette's story

"I feel like I have gotten my voice back... I always felt at a loss of words to try and explain it. But now I have the tools to be able to tell my story."

Ceri's story

"Hopefully, by showing how far I have come in five years, I can give some women the self-confidence and strength to know that they can get out too."

Zofia's story

"Through conversations with our own family, young people, friends and neighbours, each one of us can make a difference."

Kim's Story

"I have finally been able to voice my story and not feel alone."

Sandra's story

"By telling my story, I hope people will listen and reflect, be compassionate and maybe help open up the conversation about the epidemic that is family violence in Australia."

Katie's story

"I do not define myself as a victim, I am a woman with a powerful story of suffering and survival. I am also a woman who is healing and learning to love wisely."

Helen's story

"In sharing my story, I wish to shine a light on the dark evil that unnecessarily ruins lives every day."

Nina's story

"He became increasingly controlling and critical. He had rules for everything – how I sat on chairs, how I vacuumed, how I started the car, how I played with our daughter."

Carol's Story

"One day, a friend showed me a family violence website to look at... I read it and I was shocked because it described my husband perfectly"