Amy was very isolated when YFS’ SHINE team reached out to her eighteen months ago after a referral from Child Safety.
“I was very much on my own,” says Amy. “I didn’t have family here which made it even harder. They were my first real connection with the outside world in a long time.”
Amy had been experiencing domestic and family violence for many years and was very concerned for her two young sons.
“I knew we needed help, but bringing it all together, while in the situation, wasn’t possible with all the stress.”
As Amy and the SHINE team got to know one another, they began organising new bank accounts, transport, and future accommodation at a crisis shelter.
“In the early process of leaving, it’s so complex and easy to make things worse. But that’s where the team was so delicate in their support, working behind the scenes to get us to the stage where we could execute the plan to leave safely.”
The strong relationships Amy developed with the team during this planning period also meant that when the day they were leaving arrived, she was confident her children were in good hands.
“My oldest son [then 6 years old] was collected from school. The team were so good with both boys and took them shopping because we literally left with what we were wearing.
“Relocating was such a confronting experience, but it was very strategically planned — they brought every detail together.”
After several weeks at the shelter, the SHINE team helped Amy secure a rental, furniture, and security systems for her new home.
“They helped me change my number plate and get a personal alarm. And they connected me with the legal team and financial team, because there was so much financial control in my situation.”
Despite being familiar with many supports available to community members through her professional background in nursing, Amy was still astonished at how SHINE coordinated the process to help her and her boys find safety.
“It really was a collaborative effort with all these services coming together for the one cause, for us. It’s amazing to think this approach even exists.
“I would recommend anyone reach out to SHINE because they will wrap you in wool and look after you. That’s what it felt like, that we were cocooned – me and the boys.”
A year and a half after relocating, Amy’s boys are doing well in their new home and school.
“The boys are starting to realise home is a safe space. Sometimes they still question things, but I reassure them that no-one knows where we live and remind them we’ve got the security cameras and a safety plan. It helps.”
Amy’s main focus throughout her journey to finding safety, has been on her children’s wellbeing. Now they are more settled it means there is space for Amy to begin the difficult task of processing what has happened – and begin healing.
“Sometimes people see it as a weakness, seeking help, but it’s not about that – people want to help and you deserve to receive that help.”
