Surviving crime: vital support to find safety and hope

The following content may be disturbing for victims and survivors of violence, sexual assault and trauma. We encourage you to use your discretion as to whether you should continue reading. Visit here for a list of after-hours support numbers.  

One evening when Riley was out with her friends, a chance encounter with a stranger put her directly in harm’s way. Once separated from her friends and family, the stranger, who turned out to be a violent criminal, held Riley captive, assaulted her and threatened her life. He led her to believe that he would cause harm to her family if she tried to escape or report him.

After a period of a week Riley finally broke free and reported the crime to the police. Although Riley managed to escape with her life and her perpetrator was apprehended, she became pregnant as a result of the sexual assault she experienced during captivity.

Riley’s perpetrator had also robbed her of all her money and possessions, leaving her without any means to support herself. To make matters worse, she lost her job as well.  Her sole possession was her car.

In the face of these challenges, Riley made the difficult decision to keep the pregnancy due to her strong beliefs and faith. With nowhere else to go, Riley sought temporary refuge with a relative who was unable to provide support for very long. Riley began to despair. With her due date approaching, she was running out of options and on the brink of having to live out of her car. 

When Riley was referred to Windermere’s Gippsland Victim’s Assistance Program, she was struggling to secure suitable accommodation for herself.  Without a place to call home Riley risked losing custody of her newborn baby. 

Since Riley was not in a family violence circumstance, her options for accommodation support were limited.

Her Windermere support worker explored all available avenues and took every opportunity to find accommodation for Riley. Her diligence paid off.

A conversation with a support worker from a service in regional Victoria produced a much-needed solution; a two-bedroom apartment was soon to be available in a refuge and would be suitable for a mum and her newborn baby. The Windermere support worker wasted no time in taking the necessary steps to secure it for Riley.

Fortunately, the apartment was made available for Riley at just the right time. A day after moving in, Riley went into labour and delivered a healthy baby girl.

Today, Riley and her baby are safe and receiving the care and support they need, including the attention of a maternal health nurse.

Now Riley has the time and space to recover, care for her baby and plan for her future.

Windermere continues to provide support linking her with legal services to help her access compensation or financial assistance as a victim of crime. This further support will help with ongoing counselling and relocation costs when needed.

Now that she and her baby are safe and sound, Riley is able to plan her life and hopes to study and find employment in the nursing care sector. Despite her terrible ordeal, timely and urgent support has helped Riley draw strength to rebuild her life and secure a future for her and her baby.

 

Windermere’s Victims Assistance Program (VAP) is a voluntary program that provides confidential information, advice and support for those who have experienced violent crime. This program is funded by the Victorian State Government through the Department of Justice & Community Safety (DOJCS).

For more information visit here

 

*Details have been changed to protect privacy