Carly’s children are 17, 11, 5 and 2. She was very young when she became a mum. She met her ex-partner at school and was with him for 18 years. For much of that time they lived with his extended family. He was always controlling, disrespectful and there were many years of psychological abuse, but he didn’t become violent until much later. She left several times, each time for a few more months than the last. But he always seemed to know where they were. With four kids and him putting lots of pressure on her to come back, she did.
Knowing that she didn’t want to live with him ever again, Carly left permanently. This culminated in an incident where, unprovoked, he physically assaulted Carly in front of two of her children. Carly’s injuries were significant and have impacted her ability to use her right hand. They are safe now in their WPI home, but still have trauma from this violence. Stability and consistency have helped with recovery and they are now in a much better place to make key decisions regarding their future.
After a period of living with her parents, Carly was handed the keys to a beautiful, new, fully furnished, WPI home. She was worried about managing on her own, but she knew they would find a way to make it work
for a happier future. And they have.
“We are still settling in and trying different ways of organising things to make sure everyone feels comfortable. It has really helped me become more independent. I’ve been able to stand on my own and get things done.” One daughter is about to start year 12, and another to start high school, so there are important decisions to be made about pathways. The home is a safe space for them to work together to figure
things out. “I want them to know that I listen and support their choices.”
Carly is working with a mentor on career options and the sorts of work she can do with her current capacity. She is excited about the possibilities. Away from trauma, the family is finally stable. “The kids are starting to call this home. They didn’t believe it was ours in the beginning. My oldest daughter is quite house proud. She has friends over. She was never allowed to do that before.”
