Jessica*

Jessica was only a teenager when she experienced domestic violence at the hands of her boyfriend. She is now living in a private rental, has regular employment, and feels safe and protected in the community…

When Housing Plus first came into contact with Jessica, she was residing in a youth refuge following the breakdown of her family relationships. Jessica was reluctant to end the relationship with her boyfriend, despite the violence he perpetrated on her, and was considering moving in with him and his family, putting her further at risk.

Jessica was referred to the Central West Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) after the police attended an incident of physical assault in a public place. She was supported to take out an apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) against the perpetrator on the condition that he was forbidden from entering the youth refuge. This gave her a safe place from the perpetrator but also enabled her to maintain the relationship.

Jessica was referred to a domestic and family violence case management service and was provided with a transitional property. When she turned 18, she was supported to exit transitional housing into the private rental market. She was also linked with a counselling service and mental health provider to assist her in maintaining employment during this difficult period. In this time, Jessica ended her relationship with the perpetrator.

The domestic and family violence case management service coordinated with Staying Home Leaving Violence to secure Samantha’s new home with window locks and a CCTV security system to minimise the risk from the perpetrator.

Jessica is now in regular employment and feels safe in her rental property, protected from the perpetrator with an ADVO.

*Name has been changed to protect identity