Support builds stability after escape from domestic violence

28 November 2021

Bams shares her journey from trauma to hope (stock image).

Words Holly Reed 

In the lead-up to the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November, Bams shares her journey escaping a violent relationship and the extensive support she received along the way.   

The United Nations (UN), promoting the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, reports that, “Violence against women continues to be an obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace as well as to the fulfilment of women and girls’ human rights.” 

Some groups are more vulnerable, with the UN reporting that: “While gender-based violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, some women and girls are particularly vulnerable – for instance, young girls and older women, women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex, migrants and refugees, indigenous women and ethnic minorities, or women and girls living with HIV and disabilities, and those living through humanitarian crises.” 

 Alone and vulnerable 

Relatively new to Australia, Bams was preparing to leave a violent relationship. She had no support available and no income. She feared that she might end up homeless or forced to live in an unsafe boarding facility.  

Bams reached out for help the day she knew she had to remove herself from her violent ex-partner. 

“I rang up the domestic violence line, and then I just rang [the Salvos] Samaritan House and talked to them directly,” she says. “I went in the next day for an intake and assessment. It happened so quickly … because I’m trans, it’s even harder.” 

 Shelter from abuse 

At Samaritan House, Bams was supported with shelter, food, clothing, medical and dental care, legal assistance, access to counselling and workshops around healthy relationships. Importantly, she was given a safe space to process and discuss her traumatic experience of domestic violence among others who understood her pain. 

Although the service usually offers short term-stays, Ban was able to stay for over a year. 

“Everything seems to be delayed with my court [due to COVID-19],” she says. “I’m so grateful to Samaritan House for helping me with this because of my situation.” 

During her time with the service, Bams says she saw many women and children come through and leave again. While everyone had a unique story, she says, domestic violence was a common thread. Sharing with understanding staff and other women who had escaped violence meant a great deal to her. 

“I felt like my voice [could] be heard,” she says. 

Something special 

As a long-term resident, Bams also celebrated Christmas and a birthday at Samaritan House. She was deeply moved by the workers’ effort to ensure residents felt special on those occasions.  

“It’s not [just] about material things, it’s about their thoughtfulness,” she explains. “It’s made me feel like I’m not alone, I’m being cared for.” 

Bams began volunteering to cook for the other residents and hopes that one day she will be able to find work in a restaurant and further her tertiary education in hospitality management. 

As she continues her recovery journey after violence and trauma and works with her caseworkers to build a secure future, Bams says that staff, management, and donors’ support of The Salvation Army has given her safety she would not have had otherwise.  

“The Salvation Army is Christian, but they help all kinds of people – any race, any background, any religion – they help. So, it’s just a big thanks to them that they support you no matter who you are. I’m so grateful for that. “ 

To read more about the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, click here.

For more information on Salvation Army Domestic and Family Violence Services, click here.