Domestic Violence

It’s often expected that domestic violence reveals itself in bruises, physical injuries and sexual violence – and of course, sadly that is often the case.

Women and men frequently conceal the consequences of physical violence by hiding injuries or making excuses for bruises – or worse. It’s a strange kind of loyalty that stops people from telling parents, siblings or anyone about what’s happening ‘behind closed doors’.

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Because of poor self-esteem or the lack of nurturing support or education, some people encounter domestic violence over and over, lurching from one damaging relationship to another. If we’re susceptible to violence behind closed doors, we’re quite likely being taken advantage of in other relationships too.

FINANCIALLY OR PHYSICALLY TRAPPED WITHIN A RELATIONSHIP

There are more subtle ways of feeling violated within a relationship too. Feeling financially or physically trapped within a relationship is another form of violence that hampers people from either leaving the relationship or seeking outside assistance. And sexual violence within marriage can produce feelings of shame, self-loathing and embarrassment. These are all symptoms of a lack of respect and love both for ourselves and from our partner. Violence is an abuse of power within a relationship.

HEALING AND RECOVERY ARE POSSIBLE

Reaching out for help can feel impossible and yet, so often we need support and education to reclaim our lives and break the cycle of damaging relationships. Healing is possible as we rebuild our self-esteem, learn how to identify and express our own emotions in healthier ways, we learn effective communication skills and understand what really replenishes us and acquire the motivation to make those things the foundation for our life.

IMMEDIATE HELP

• Call 000 if your life is in danger
• For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Beyondblue website includes many useful forums and resources

HOW QUEST FOR LIFE CAN HELP

While Quest for Life doesn’t provide emergency accommodation or a quick-fix solution for women breaking the cycle of domestic violence, we do provide 5-day residential programs that enable women to take time out of their life, to consider their options and begin the necessary healing of poor self-respect or low self-esteem.

In a 5-day Healing Your Life program, you’ll be supported, nurtured and assisted to find a pathway forward to healing and recovery that feels just right for you.

“Quest gave me a space of safety, of being heard, being understood and finally helped me to start to see I was not the problem” – Kylee

Grant funding and donations to attend our programs are available for people affected by domestic violence. Contact us to find out more.

So, if you’re experiencing domestic violence and want to break the cycle, we will do whatever we can to assist you to reclaim your life so that you can make healthier choices in the future. Fill in the Contact Form below and one of our Program Advisors will be in touch to answer your questions or call us on 1300-941-488.