SYD WDVCAS stands beside a mother and her children

Recently, we stood beside a mother and her children whose lives were reshaped by years of abuse, coercive control, and terrifying experiences at the hands of someone who had once promised to love and care for them.

When the mother made the brave decision to report the violence, the mother believed safety would follow. Instead, the police response and lengthy court process brought new layers of fear. A final AVO was granted, protecting her and her children, and the user of violence received a custodial sentence. Knowing that the user of violence would be released before the AVO expired created a depth of anxiety that never truly left.

Through conversations, the mother recalled, “I thought reporting would make us feel safer. Instead, everything changed.” 

Fearing retaliation from the extended family of the user of violence, the mother and her children relocated to an unknown community. The children left behind friends, school, church, sports, and every familiar safe space.

In the new environment, the mother felt isolated and cautious. Building new relationships felt unsafe. Trust felt impossible. Every door was locked and checked. Every routine carefully guarded.

Over time, the mother and children tried to build a sense of stability. The AVO offered a layer of reassurance protecting her, her children, their address, and their school. The mother acknowledged that the AVO was still just paper, and that paper can be ignored. But for her and her children it also represented consequences, accountability, and a pathway to safety. For her and her children, that paper mattered.

The impact of abuse did not disappear with relocation. Her children developed anxiety. They struggled to form friendships. They worried constantly about their mum. They avoided sports and social activities to protect themselves.

As the AVO’s expiry date approached, the anxiety intensified. The unknown built up again.

Our Sydney WDVCAS team provided support and advocacy to explore options for a private application or an AVO extension. That meant returning to court, revisiting trauma, preparing statements, reliving experiences no one should have to relive. Safety planning intensified. Emotions ran high.

Our team worked alongside the professionals already supporting the family. A legal aid grant was secured. A solicitor prepared to run the matter. The hearing date was set. Together, we stood behind her. After the hearing, the extension was granted for 12 more months.

The relief was immediate and overwhelming. Tears. Hugs. Deep exhalations that had been held for weeks. In the challenging and often exhausting Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) space, this was a good result.

Everyone knew it was only twelve more months. But for this family it was everything. As expressed by the mother, this meant, “twelve more months of reassurance, hope, of feeling safer, feeling protected and twelve more months to continue our healing and recovery journey.

She said, “all I want is to try to normalise life for my children. All I want is my family to be safe.” 

For us as a Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Service, we stand with families like this one; we have the privilege to walk beside them while in fear, in courtrooms and to be part of celebrating moments of relief.