Did you know 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced
abuse by a current or previous partner since the age of 15?*
It’s easy to brush over statistics and forget that behind the numbers are real families, with real struggles.
Families like Lucy, mother to 7-year-old Hannah and 4-year-old Elliot. Lucy and her young children were stuck in an extremely violent home situation while trying to meet young Hannah’s health needs. Hannah has a severe form of cerebral palsy and needs a wheelchair and constant care to manage her everyday functions.
Lucy was struggling to manage on a single income while providing constant care for Hannah. Her mother Vivian, who was her only source of support, was critically ill with cancer and could no longer assist. Lucy was isolated and unsupported. Her mental state deteriorated quickly, and she began to self-medicate to survive the harrowing violence and anxiety.
With our support, Lucy was able to find safe accommodation and secure a court order to protect herself and her children from her partner's violent behaviours. We also provided trauma counselling and linked Lucy to intensive parenting supports and coaching.
“I feel like my Windermere caseworker has a special gift. There should be more people like them on this earth.”
Today, thanks to Windermere's timely intervention and Lucy's sheer determination, Lucy and her children are safe, and Hannah is receiving the medical treatment she needs. Lucy has even completed further study to increase her independence.
Unfortunately, Lucy’s story is not unique. There are hundreds of children and families like Lucy’s who are isolated, afraid and with nowhere else to turn. How would you feel if this was someone you love?
At Windermere, we truly believe that everyone is someone in our community, and we are dedicated to creating positive change in the lives of the people we support. But we can’t do it without your help.
By making a tax-deductible donation to Windermere before June 30, you can help support vulnerable children like Hannah and their families to have a future free from fear and trauma. Your donation, no matter how big or small, can help us provide vital services like food essentials, safe accommodation and trauma counselling and support people affected by violence and trauma.
Imagine Lucy and her family were your loved ones. Could you help change their lives?