If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. Please call 1800 RESPECT or visit the website. If you are in immediate danger, phone 000.
I’m a mother, daughter, sister and a friend – just like many of you. I’m also a victim and a survivor of a horrific domestic violence attack.
I want to share my story to raise awareness of the issue and stop domestic violence from happening again.
My journey started in 2012. I suffered a horrific attack at the hands of a perpetrator who would not take “no” for an answer. It started with emotional and psychological abuse, including telling lies, stealing money and insults. And it ended with me being beaten with a baseball bat to within an inch of my life.
My parents were informed that there was slim chance I would survive the night. My children were told to say their goodbyes.
But somehow, through my determination and the support of family and friends, I got through it. So here I am today sharing my story, in between all the treatments, operations and therapies that I will have to go through for the rest of my life.
This incident has scarred me forever – I have lost my eyesight on my right side and my sense of smell. My skull is currently held together with screws and titanium plates. The ripple effect of this on my children has been unimaginable. Each day I’m reminded of the attack when I look in the mirror.

Before 2012, I was oblivious to domestic violence. I wish I had educated myself on this subject and learned about the red flags in a relationship so I could stop this from happening right at the start. But I didn’t, and now I’m suffering the consequences.
I believe there are many others out there just like the pre-2012 me who are unaware of the danger signs. These could be in the form of: