One year ago, Annisa and her 11-year-old daughter quietly left their home with only what they could pack in a couple of suitcases. Her husband, Olivia’s father, had been verbally abusive and controlling for over a decade. He was very charming in front of others and their friends did not realise what Annisa was going through. The constant insults and putdowns had destroyed her confidence even though she had played a big part in running his business.
Annisa shared a bedroom with Olivia for years, with no means of supporting herself. He told her she could never move on or get another job because English was not her first language, she didn’t drive and wasn’t an Australian citizen. Annisa knew that she couldn’t endure the emotional abuse anymore and had to set herself up to leave. So, she furthered her studies and gained her Australian citizenship to give herself and her daughter a chance for a better future. She summoned the courage to move out and soon after, they made their way to Melbourne.
Olivia, a talented ballet dancer and a gifted tennis player had really suffered through the trauma and stress. Due to her emotional state and their financial situation, she couldn’t pursue the hobbies she was so passionate about. Annisa managed to find a job as a project administrator in Melbourne but was still really struggling to make ends meet. For their first six months in Melbourne, they were living in share houses and had to move three times. Sharing a single room that was where they slept, worked, and studied and changing schools was almost unbearable. It was becoming near impossible for Annisa to hold down her job.
Then Annisa found information online about an affordable apartment in Melbourne’s inner west, owned by Affordable Rentals Victoria and managed by Women’s Property Initiatives. They applied for it and would walk past the building each day, visualising that it might be their home. It was clean, light, modern, and infinitely nicer than anything else that they could afford. They couldn’t believe it when they were successful, and it has changed their world.
Annisa and Olivia are still setting up their home to be the way they want it, but with an affordable rent, they each have their own room with comfortable beds in a light filled, modern and secure space. Olivia is going to the local school, has resumed tennis at a local academy and is winning tournaments again. It is still a constant battle to make ends meet but they feel optimistic, and Annisa is excited to progress her career. Annisa said the change in their outlook has been dramatic. “We had to start from zero. But the security that we have with this lovely apartment and knowing it is affordable, has changed everything. This is a foundation for me to give Olivia the future she deserves. When I hear her singing and playing music in her room, I feel a sense of peace I have not had for a long, long time.”
