Kristen is a victim-survivor of domestic violence. She experienced coercive control, angry outbursts, love-bombing and gaslighting, among other things.
“The thing about coercive control is that it leaves you a shell of your former self – a bit like a burnt out house façade,” she bravely told the audience at the launch of the new Gippsland Supporting Recovery Program in Morwell on Friday.
“We need support to re-learn how to be ourselves. The fear of reprisal is real and makes moving on very challenging at times.”
It was through the Orange Door, Latrobe Community Health Service, Quantum Support Services and her community that she got through the first few months after leaving her situation.
“But we do need ongoing, long-term support and I am excited that others, like me, will be able to access it through this new (Supporting Recovery) Program.”
The $10.6 million program will be rolled out in Latrobe City and Baw Baw Shire over the next two years to support victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence.
Funded by Gippsland Primary Health Network, it will be delivered by Quantum Support Service and Latrobe Community Health Service, in conjunction with the Cairnmillar Institute.
Gippsland PHN Chief Executive Officer, Amanda Proposch, also provided a stark reality for guests.
“Right now, a woman in Gippsland is experiencing some form of violence,” Ms Proposch said. “Women in regional, rural and remote areas are more like than women in urban areas to experience family, domestic and sexual violence.”
Read the full media release here
Caption: Pictured at the launch of the Gippsland Supporting Recovery Program are (from left) Quantum Chief Executive Officer, Natalie McDonald, Gippsland Primary Health Network Chief Executive Officer, Amanda Proposch and Executive Director Community Care at Latrobe Community Health Service, Michelle Francis.
