Safety, healing and moving forward – a client story

 This client was referred to the service through Housing after relocating to a new property in the Bankstown area. With support from her allocated caseworker, she was assisted with a referral to the legal team for Victim Services application and was successful in receiving $1500 recognition payment. She was also assisted with NSW Local Victims Program (LVP) and successfully received $5,000 .

The client was also supported through court proceedings, resulting in a 2-year Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) being granted. To further enhance her safety, security upgrades were installed at her new home.

As part of her healing and closure she provided us with a beautiful artwork…

Creative Healing – client artwork blurb

“Doing the gemstone art has been therapeutic while doing it and going through the domestic violence trauma. It’s a mockingbird. It is beautiful and I mixed it with rhinestone colours, some beans, and purple roses. It’s colourful to brighten my day. I at times listen to the birds outside for self-therapy too. It’s self-care and helps with the trauma of domestic violence. Thank you to all the ladies that supported me as a victim. I am survivor, this makes a difference”

As part of her healing journey, the client has also engaged in counselling through Victim Services and has begun reconnecting with activities that support her wellbeing, including exercise and participation in a weekly women’s support group.

Client reflection

“I feel much safer with the cameras provided; I feel my life has changed a lot. With SHLV support I can now focus more on doing exercises and walking. Joining a weekly women’s support group has been amazing.”