A Story from Banksia Women

  • 5 June 2025
  • South Head


When Julie* saw how her husband’s violence was impacting their son, she knew she had to leave. It was a moment of enormous courage when she escaped the violence and control she had been subjected to for years. She found the strength to gather all her possessions, pick her son up from school, and move her whole life into a women’s refuge – a bedroom with shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.

Now what?

We like to think the story ends when a woman leaves an abusive relationship. But for so many women, it marks the beginning of a new kind of struggle. The immediate danger may fade, but the fear, isolation and instability remain. Some are left without a home. Others have no income, no support network, and no idea where to turn. Those on temporary visas walk a path that is even more precarious as they can’t access essential services, are trapped in legal limbo, and are at risk of losing everything.The systems meant to help often aren’t accessible or are chronically overstretched and underfunded.At Banksia Women, we meet women who tell us ending a violent relationship is just the beginning. What comes next can feel just as overwhelming:starting life all over again constant fear of being found unable to support herself financiallynavigating complex systems like Victims Services or the legal systemraising children without supportfacing judgment, stigma, and shameand so much more.

So women are left wondering: Now what?

Julie was lucky. She had a job and could just about support herself and her son. But inside, things were falling apart. Unable to sleep and incredibly isolated, she felt like no one would ever understand what she was going through.  Banksia Women is a haven during this time, a welcoming place where women can find community, access support, and learn how to heal without having to explain themselves. Women tell us we are one of the few places they feel safe, valued and seen.At Banksia Women, Julie met other women who had been through similar things and she realised she’s not alone. She learned to make sense of what had happened, and to be kind to herself.

This is where we come in.

Through weekly connect groups, workshops, shared meals and creative programs, we support women to rebuild on their own terms. We give women space to breathe and the tools to begin again, in a place that is relaxed and enjoyable.