The road to recovery for domestic abuse survivors can be a long and painful one. Overcoming fear, a sense of betrayal and learning how to build self-esteem are steps towards healing, but without professional help, this journey can be difficult.
Broken Ballerina has helped many women and children escape from domestic violence, now the not-for-profit organisation is taking a further step to help survivors recover from the mental trauma with the goal of breaking the cycle.
Jules Thompson, Director of Broken Ballerina, said that helping women identify red flags in a relationship was key to breaking the cycle of abuse.
“I was born into domestic violence and I then married two abusers. So many times I would repeat the cycle.
“Thanks to Ibis Mackay and the Accor Group, we have received a $15,000 grant to pay for Broken Ballerina’s first counsellor.
“We can offer personalised trauma counselling for eight of our clients to help them to rebuild their self-worth and self-respect.”
General Manager of Ibis Mackay Adriette Meyer said the grant was possible through Accor’s Live Limitless Crisis Fund which was created to help people financially impacted during the COVID-19 health crisis.
“In 2022 they expanded that program to vulnerable people in the community, and in Australia we use that to support victims of domestic violence,” Ms Meyer added.
“Broken Ballerina was our chosen charity to provide the $15K to help them provide these counselling services.
“They provide an excellent service in Mackay that’s personal. It’s not just calling a helpline, Jules is there in the courtroom, she’s there to provide that personal service when they need it the most.”
Ms Thompson said the counselling is an intensive six-week program involving two-hour sessions with work to take home.
“It’s not a case of ‘come back and see us in a fortnight or a month’, it’s ongoing,” Ms Thompson said.
“We’re hoping to continue to receive support financially so we can continue this program for those who may still need treatment and new women who need this support.”
The counselling will be provided by Breakthrough Counselling and Support Services. Director Rebecca Snell said the goal of the counselling was to ensure these survivors had the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
“We want them to be able to create the best life possible and not fall back into those same habits to stop the cycle of domestic violence for them and their family,” Ms Snell said.
“The counselling will explore mechanisms that are hindering them and we help them replace those with beneficial ones.
“We also get them relationship ready so they can recognise healthy relationships and create healthy boundaries for themselves. It’s not just helping them in their lives but creating an impact for their children and the community. The bigger picture is that for generations to come there will be a better quality of life.”
Ms Snell said that when someone is a victim of abuse, it can limit their capability to think in a healthy way.
“Some are victims of generational abuse where generation after generation before them suffered violence. In their minds they don’t know what the first step of having a healthy relationship is,” she said.
A key part of the program is for the counsellor to visit the survivor at home.
“Some may be young mothers, they may not have a driver's license, they aren’t in a great position sometimes. We want to be able to go to them where it’s comfortable.
“Some of these women have a lot of trauma where even just going among the general public is debilitating for them with anxiety. We can help them in a safe space.”
Rebecca Snell, Jules Thompson and Adriette Meyer at the Ibis Hotel Mackay to celebrate a $15K grant to Broken Ballerina thanks to the Accor Group. Photos: Amanda Wright
