Client Story - January 2022

How does Pop In help domestic violence survivors?

Betty* came into Pop In for support in early October.

At that time, she was ok with staying in her home with her ex-partner, the perpetrator.

Betty had some savings and was contemplating leaving. One of Pop In’s case workers advised Betty on as many options that they believed would be helpful and suitable.

After Betty’s first visit, we thought we would not see her again.

However, about a week later, she called Pop In to say she had to leave. She asked: “Where do I start?”

Betty is resourceful and very organised. She provided every piece of information and document that was required for any referrals and applications.

Betty was open to every avenue possible to gain control over her life and decisions. This included placing her dog in short-term care with the RSPCA. To her, this was like somebody doing this to their child.

Waiting for domestic violence support

Unfortunately, three months after submission, the housing application had not yet come through. There have been times when both Betty and I have called, texted and emailed other service providers - with no outcome or decision, sometimes with no response at all.

Understandably, new packages like the Federal Government’s Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) are expected to take a few weeks. However, the EVP workers are clear and responsive.

Betty has no bed and a broken TV. She is paying full rent, even though she was advised she would be approved for the NSW Government’s Rent Choice Start Safely program. Her savings are gone, and she is struggling to make ends meet.

Betty has done so much and has not given up. She has been so strong. She also has a disability and has managed to hold down a job!

Pop In: friendly support

We do believe that, without Pop In, Betty’s situation would have deteriorated very quickly and her mental health would have declined.

Betty has always told us that just having “a friendly face” or a “friendly voice” has been all she needed to get through. The Pop In team thinks this is a good snapshot of what true support looks like, from a client’s perspective.

* Name changed to protect privacy