Content warning: The following account of lived experience contains references to trauma and abuse which some may find confronting or distressing. We encourage self-care and discretion when engaging with these materials.
Carmen first met Jenny from Micah Projects’ Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS) in a time of crisis. Carmen had called the police during a domestic violence (DV) incident at her home and Jenny arrived with them. The police had been out to Carmen’s quite a few times before but this was the first time a Domestic Violence Specialist Worker came too.
Carmen said that the police always do a good job, but Micah Projects workers added an extra level of care. “They are very methodical, professional and thorough, but having Jenny brought the emotional support to the visit.”
“These days, Jenny phones me every two to three weeks. She knows my situation well and I’m not afraid or embarrassed to talk with her. I am no longer in a violent relationship because my ex-partner is in jail due to domestic violence.
“I feel like DV has destroyed my life. I have no job and life feels like a struggle at times. I am finding strength in the people that surround me now and I am able to ask for support. I am lucky because I have my own house – the mortgage repayments are hard to find at times but you do what you have to do.
“I’d been having trouble with DV for seven to eight years. I didn’t report all of it. But the last incident was severe and that was when I met Jenny. Her support has been so amazing, it has changed my life. I don’t think I would be here today or I would be at my wits end, if not for Jenny.
“My GP is also really great to me. I get counselling there too and he spends an hour with me each time. I have become a bit of a recluse while I am working through all this. I have shut myself off in this transition phase.
“After what I have been through I would like to be in a position to help others. I have deferred my Degree in Nursing and Paramedic Services. But tomorrow I am starting a new course to be trained in taking blood. I need to get my confidence back and get healthy again. I am focusing on taking things one day at a time.”
It is the counselling, the friendship, the warmth and the understanding which really has helped. Jenny is not judgmental, and you can tell her everything. I am very grateful to have her in my life.