My name is Maribel, and I have two children. My story begins back in 2019 when I went to see a councillor while studying at TAFE. I told her what was happening with my family, and she referred me to WAGEC. I didn’t even know where to start, I didn’t have a job, I didn’t know where I would go, I didn’t even know what services were available to me.
In that first meeting with the councillor, she said I had to make a decision, not only for my children but for myself. She told me, “How can you care about your children if you are not taking care of yourself?” Before that, I had not even thought about myself, all my decisions had been because of my children. But when the councillor said that, I realised then that, yes, I needed to make a decision for myself. I shouldn’t make exceptions for how I am treated.
When I spoke to a WAGEC case manager, I told her I really wanted to get out. She supported me with housing and everything. At that time I wasn’t working, I was studying, so my finances weren’t very good. I was so grateful for WAGEC and happy I was put in touch. With WAGEC, I feel like my self-esteem was boosted. The WAGEC team, from the start, gave me so much advice and made me more comfortable and a stronger woman. That’s what I wanted to share. I am sure it’s not just me. For other women who are scared to get out… I want them to. There is so much help out there. Get out and ask for help because there is nothing wrong with asking for help.
During that time, I was only studying with two children. I had nowhere to go. With no family around, I was hesitating, thinking… I can’t do this. Should I ask for help, or should I not? But when Sarah, my case manager, explained how much help was available, I thought, okay, I need to. From the start to the end, WAGEC were always there to help with everything. They were amazing.
Now, I am in a private rental, I started working at Aldi, and I am doing community work at a local charity. I love volunteering and want to return what I can to the community.
My children are doing great. I always involve them in any decision-making. They always push me. From little things like saying, “okay, we need to go out, we need to move out”, so it’s easier for me to make the decision. From the start they were always pushing me as well. It made it easier for me. They accept what is going on right now.
To other women who are hiding, don’t be scared. Be strong for yourself and if you love yourself, there’s lots of help available to you. You need to come out. I have a friend who has been afraid. I’ve been talking to her for almost six months, telling her she doesn’t have to be scared. I’ve been giving her examples from my situation. Being scared, she will ask for WAGEC’s number, and then suddenly withdraw. I am sure there are so many other women who are scared. But that is why my biggest message is, don’t be scared, be strong.
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