At the time of Maya’s marriage, she was an independent and successful business woman, with plans to start a family. 

Not long into the relationship, Maya began to experience physical violence from her husband, describing the time as one where she began to lose her self worth and sense of identity. 

As a migrant woman she was here in Australia on her own, and having quit her job at her husband’s request was also socially isolated with very little in the way of support networks. 

Over a period of years, Maya experiencing a number of miscarriages due to the violence, continued to hope for change.  Maya recounts a moment of violence against her while driving finally convinced her for the need to involve police.  By this stage she was expecting twins, and the very thought of putting herself and the babies at further risk was enough. 

While facing criminal charges for the assault along with a restraining order didn’t necessarily mean Maya felt completely safe, with further coercive practices impacting her capacity to make decisions. 

It was during the late stages of pregnancy that Maya – a high risk pregnancy by this stage – discovered her husband had left the country, abandoning her and her soon to be babies. 

Sadly, stories like Maya’s are not all that uncommon.  We know pregnant women are at greater risk of violence, and endure further hardships in securing safe and secure housing when they leave the family home. 

Maya’s referral to services came shortly after the birth of twins, and to this day describes the practitioners involved in her case as her angels.  She describes this in terms of how they listen to understand, and bring a human element to their work as the passion comes through in services. 

Along with services, Maya has also undertaken the Circle of Security parenting program, focussing on building attachment. And she considers this as having enriched her experience as a mum and given her new perspective.  

Maya’s son and daughter are 9 months now and thriving. Whilst sleep deprivation and her emotional battles still will be on going, she is taking positive steps to make changes. With help, she is getting out of the house more confidently. 

The need for services like ours is significant. We want to help support mums like these that are isolated, not connected to social networks or facing harrowing family situations.  

Often there are cultural barriers, the stigma financial or language barriers that also keep women from accessing services.  Our efforts to reach more families, more women and their children is made possible with your support to ensure that Every Mother Matters and Every Child Counts.  

If you would like to support mums like Maya, find out how your support will help: https://www.caroline.org.au/donate/