Building Safety, Support, and Connection

Mary is just one of the 270 women and children supported by Pop In over the past 12 months.

When Mary arrived at Pop In, she had just reported a violent incident to Police the night before. She was referred to the service via the DV Line. Mary had been in an on-again, off-again relationship with her ex-partner for five years, during which she experienced repeated physical violence. In the most recent incident, her ex-partner bit her finger, leaving a permanent mark and indent.

Mary’s Story

Mary needed a supportive network to walk beside her as she navigated this difficult and complex chapter.

Mary also disclosed that, only a week earlier, her ex-partner had violently assaulted their dog with a metal pole—an act she described as a recurring form of torture, as he knew how deeply she loved her animals. While reports were made to Police, no charges or AVOs were issued.

Mary presented with the following needs:

  • She did not have the financial means to support relocation, storage, or securing a new lease.

  • She had recently been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and lives with MS. Most of her medical support network is based in Queensland.

Domestic violence is not just an individual crisis—it affects families, communities, and society as a whole.

 The latest statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data release of March 2025, highlight the scale of this issue. Since the age of 15:

  • 1 in 6 women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a current or previous cohabiting partner.

  • 1 in 4 women have experienced emotional abuse by a current or previous cohabiting partner.

  • 1 in 6 women have experienced economic abuse by a current or previous cohabiting partner.

  • 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence.

Step by step, we helped Mary rebuild her life by providing:

  • Emotional Support & Case Work: Ongoing support through case management, including safety planning and emotional assistance while she remained in the area.

  • Financial Support: Liaison with a Centrelink Social Worker to access a crisis payment.

  • Relocation Assistance: Submission of applications for the Escaping Violence Payment and an Immediate Needs Support Package through Victims Services. Although both were declined, Pop In used donated brokerage funds to pay for two months of storage and new tyres for Mary’s car so she could safely relocate interstate.

  • Housing Referrals: Connection with housing support services to ensure a safe and supported relocation.

  • Continued Care: Ongoing phone support after Mary’s interstate move until she was reconnected with her medical and community network.

Pop In - A community led response to domestic violence

*names and details have been changed to protect privacy and safety.