When Layla* fled family violence perpetrated by her husband with her two children, she thought returning to Australia – where they had previously lived – would mean finding immediate safety with a friend. However, this did not go as expected; the friend contacted her husband and disclosed their location. With her options limited, Layla and her children found themselves facing homelessness.
It was then that Layla reached out to VincentCare, the local housing access point. VincentCare provided immediate temporary hotel accommodation and connected Layla with The Orange Door for specialised family violence support. Given the interconnected challenges of family violence and homelessness, Layla was referred to Juno’s Family Violence Outpost Worker and our Homelessness Support Program.
The Juno team worked collaboratively to ensure Layla and her children’s safety and stability. Through risk assessments and safety planning, combined with practical housing support through the Exit Pathways Program, Layla secured a private rental property. Juno helped establish their new home and ensured the children could settle into school with everything they needed.
The Juno team reflected on the strength and capacity that it had taken for Layla to have achieved all of this to create safety for herself and her children. Layla remains hopeful that their father will understand the impact his behaviour has had and will be open to change, so he can play a safe role in their lives.
At Juno, we support individuals as they navigate extremely challenging life circumstances and take steps toward safety and stability. Below, Layla shares their courageous journey in their own words.
*Name has been changed to protect their privacy.
Layla’s* Story
I experienced control, manipulation and violence from my husband and my father. I always wanted to choose freedom for my kids and myself. As an Asian woman I was brought up with very limiting beliefs. I was very afraid and had no idea how to manage the situation once I left my husband’s home.
Juno made sure that me and the kids are completely safe. Juno helped us to find a home. They made this difficult transition much easier for me and kids. They helped me to find programs through which I got much more support, especially for the kids. I am so grateful for the help and support I have received from Juno.
In my journey I have learned that change is very hard in the start because of our fears but once we make a decision to change, there is a lot of help and support available. I really appreciate the efforts of all the girls who worked with me from Juno.
