SY DNE Y ST R E E T CHO I R Ella and her daughter building PARRAMAT TA WOM N ’ S S E LT E R
a better life E lla* and her four-year-old daughter arrived in and having to work up the courage to leave. Leaving the relationship was made more difficult by her temporary visa status, her financial situation and her limited connections in Australia. Her former partner’s parents supported her for some time, but she eventually sought help from Bayside Women’s Shelter where she stayed for five months. Australia in August 2018 on a temporary partner visa. In December of that year, Ella ended the relationship with her partner when the domestic violence escalated. She reported being physically abused many times The family was then referred to the Pathways Home program and moved to a transitional property in the Parramatta LGA where they received support from Parramatta Women’s Shelter. Pathways Home offered Ella security and stability while she waited for the outcome of her application for permanent residency. During this period, she was able to start an internship as an Engagement Adviser and is now working part-time. Parramatta Women’s Shelter also supported Ella to enrol her daughter, Anna, in kindergarten. Anna was initially shy and did not like to engage or socialise with others. This was exacerbated during the COVID-19 lockdown as Anna was not attending school or leaving the house very often. Over time, the shelter worked with Anna to build her confidence through playing games, learning activities, storytelling and reading. They also supported Ella and Anna to access counselling services to deal with the trauma of domestic violence. Parramatta Women’s Shelter supported the family to move into longer-term transitional housing and organised furniture through the charity The Generous and the Grateful to set up the new home. Ella has said how thankful she is for the support of the shelter and the Pathways Home program. Parramatta Women’s Shelter continues to provide outreach support to the family.
*Names have been changed
3 0 PA Y C E FOUNDAT I ON
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