Like many other survivors’, ‘Holly’ knew her attacker. The perpetrator was her ex-partner and the father of her children. For over 10 years, ‘Holly’ endured an extreme case of family violence and violent sexual assaults. She spent many years trying to break free, flee and protect herself but it was never that easy. The perpetrator was an ice user and although she was supported by the police to try and keep her safe most of the time, “violent offenders on ice don’t care about AVO’s” says Holly. Often fearing for her life and relocating often to try and keep the perpetrator away from her and her two children, Holly kept trying to rebuild her life. It was not until her youngest child grew so traumatised by fear and soiling himself that she reached out to Orange Door. It was through the Orange Doors Hub was she able to get lasting refuge from harm’s way. They were able to draw upon many different services and resources that have supported Holly and her family to rebuild their lives.
So.. what is the orange door?
The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children.
You should contact The Orange Door if:
someone close to you is hurting you, controlling you or making you feel afraid – such as your partner, family member, carer or parent(s)
you are a child or young person who doesn’t have what you need to be OK
you are worried about the safety of a friend or family member
you need more support with the care of children, e.g. due to money issues, illness, addiction, grief, isolation or conflict
you are worried about the safety of a child or young person
you need help to change your behaviour and stop using violence in your relationships
You can contact The Orange Door whenever you need help. Workers at The Orange Door understand that all families can experience difficult times and may need help.
Holly yarned with Standing Strong Together host Natasha about her story and how a team of Family violence services Orange door, 1800respect, Vacca and the Police helped her get to safety and break the cycle of abuse. Listen to her inspiring story here