Older woman finds freedom from abusive partner

Julia immigrated from Greece with her husband three decades ago. After her husband passed away, Julia began living with a new partner who also acted as her carer due to her medical condition. The relationship became abusive. Julia’s new partner developed a bad temper and frightened her with his aggressive behaviour during arguments.

After a particularly heated row that ended with crockery being smashed against the wall, Julia decided to end the relationship.

Julia was referred to Better Place Australia by the Orange Door.

During a comprehensive risk assessment, Julia was able to identify the goals she would work on collaboratively with the family consultant. She wanted her ex-partner to stop receiving the Carer’s Payment from Centrelink and expressed the need for counselling for the relationship trauma. Julia also wanted to maintain a friendship with her ex-partner. The family consultant advocated for Julia, expressed the importance for safety, and identified the need for Julia to establish clear and safe boundaries through safety planning and counselling.

The Better Place Australia family consultant scheduled regular sessions with Julia over a five-month period. During these sessions, Julia discussed the complexity of ending the romantic relationship but recognised that she could not maintain a friendship with a violent person. With the help of the family consultant, Julia sought an intervention order to maintain her safety.

The family consultant helped Julia talk through her fear and guilt. Setting individual goals, was a new experience for Julia. The family consultant helped her reflect and gain clarity on what she truly wanted in life. Julia then worked on her decision-making skills so she felt empowered enough to make independent decisions.

By the end of the sessions, Julia felt very positive about having her ex-partner removed from Centrelink as her carer and having no further contact with him. More importantly, her confidence and happiness also grew. Part of this came from being able to embark on an independent life which she had not experienced as an adult. This enabled Julia to live a more full life and cultivate a positive outlook.

Julia shared, “I feel like I am in control of my life and it’s a great feeling! I’m looking forward to each day now because I can spend it doing what I want to do without having to check with anyone else first.” 

Watch the video case study below of another older woman who worked through a situation with abusive family members.

Better Place Australia elder abuse prevention services

The mission of Better Place Australia is to empower people to become more resilient, enjoy healthier relationships and support them through challenging times. When it comes to feeling like you are being abused, taken advantage of, being mistreated, Better Place Australia elder abuse prevention services may be what you need to take control, help restore family relationships, and remain safe. For more details, contact us today.