Bella is only six years old, but her short life has already been marked by family violence. Last year, when Bella’s mother Amanda was eight months pregnant with her baby sister, Amanda was assaulted so badly that her hip was broken.
Emma House provided an immediate crisis response to Amanda as she decided to leave her partner. We developed a plan to keep her and the children safe, arranging for emergency housing, material aid and support until she could move in with family members.
Bella showed significant signs of trauma from witnessing the severe, ongoing violence towards her mother. Her confusion and fear were overwhelming. She couldn’t sleep at night and Amanda struggled to settle her when she herself was so unsettled.
Emma House’s trained counsellors worked with Bella and Amanda to understand the effects of the trauma they had experienced, to help them feel safe again and have a better understanding of what Bella will need in the coming months to recover.
Amanda is hoping to return to her studies after the court cases against her former partner are over, as she wants to find work so she can provide for her children on her own. Amanda says she was not only provided with the necessities in leaving, but things she hadn’t thought of. Her workers were there with her, and walked with her in order to best support her needs during her crisis. Amanda stated she felt so overwhelmed until her worker met with her, and told her that she would walk along side of her on this journey, for support and guidance until you no longer need that support. Amanda stated that she is now really excited about her future with her children, free from violence and fear.
