Surviving a nightmare

When Larisaa reached out to VincentCare’s Hume Community Hub, she had barely escaped a living nightmare. One that threatened her life and shattered her hope for a peaceful future with her husband and newborn.

Larisaa was forced to escape the family home, that she had rented and lovingly furnished using her own money, leaving her and her baby girl without a place to call home.

Preparing for the arrival of her husband after his visa had been approved and the joy of their baby should have been a joyful time but it quickly turned into a period of fear and danger.

Once Larisaa’s husband arrived from overseas, instead of the loving life she had envisioned, she faced escalating violence that culminated in a terrifying attempt on her life.

VincentCare’s Marian Community provided Larisaa with 24/7 specialist family violence support and the team stepped in when she needed it most. They helped her escape and managed the dangerous situation while also connecting her with the Financial Counselling & Capability team, showing her strategies to help her manage her finances and build their capacity.

Although being employed, finding a new home proved difficult for Larisaa, who had to move in with her mother, sharing a tiny apartment.

“Landlords often turned me away, wary of renting to someone with a history of domestic violence, fearing potential damage or fights,” she says.

Despite these challenges and thanks to the support of VincentCare’s team, Larisaa is beginning to rebuild her life and create a safe, loving environment for her baby girl while also becoming an advocate for other domestic violence survivors.

VINCENTCARE'S HUME COMMUNITY HUB
Hume Community Hub is a one-stop-shop for people who experience family violence, financial disadvantage and social isolation. Services offered include family violence, financial counselling and assistance, emergency relief support, outreach for those in isolated communities.

*Names and images changed for privacy reasons