Nadia’s story: A new beginning

When Nadia* came to Australia, she dreamed of building a happy family life with someone she loved and trusted.

The move to Australia came at a time of enormous turmoil. Arriving with her youngest son and partner, the rest of Nadia’s relatives remained in her home country amid an ongoing war.

Far from the life she knew and worrying for the safety of her loved ones, Nadia struggled to find her feet in a new country, all while her partner became increasingly violent.

Looking back, she recognises how difficult it can be to understand what is happening when you’re living through it.

“I thought maybe we just didn’t understand each other and needed time to adjust to living together,” she said. “I hoped things would improve, but the problems kept escalating.” Nadia tried her best to avoid conflict and protect her son, while holding onto the hope of the family she had dreamed of. But the repeated insults, humiliation, emotional pressure and unpredictable changes in her partner’s behaviour only increased.

“I felt like I was walking through a minefield, never knowing when the next explosion would come,” she said. “I had left a country at war hoping to find safety, but even in a peaceful country I was living in fear.”

Nadia knew she had to leave, but it wasn’t an easy decision to make. “Returning to my home country was unsafe, and my son was settling into school, learning English and making friends,” she said. “I wanted to protect that stability.”

Eventually, after a serious incident of family violence, Nadia contacted the police. “I was frightened, but I knew I couldn’t keep postponing the decision to leave,” she said.

A friend had previously sent her details of family violence services, and Nadia remembered the Orange Door, reaching out to them for help. She and her son initially spent three weeks in temporary accommodation with another service, before being referred to McAuley.

Located far away from her son’s school, friends and support network, Nadia was distraught at the prospect of starting again somewhere so unfamiliar. “After so many losses and separations, I was devastated. I cried in the taxi on the way.”

A safe place to begin again

When she arrived at McAuley, Nadia said the team listened to her concerns and worked quickly to find another solution. Within hours, they had arranged safe accommodation for Nadia and her son closer to their existing connections.

“I was overwhelmed, this time with gratitude,” she said. “For the first time in a long while, I could breathe, sleep peacefully, spend time with my son and begin thinking about the future.”

During their time with McAuley, Nadia and her son received practical and tailored support to help them begin recovering from their experiences and planning their next steps.

Nadia’s case manager helped her navigate unfamiliar support systems, understand her options and access financial assistance, including supermarket vouchers.

“A supermarket voucher might sound ordinary to someone else, but for me it was profoundly moving,” Nadia said. “I could go into a shop, choose what my son and I needed and make my own decisions. After feeling powerless for so long, that freedom meant so much.”

For Nadia, having someone she could turn to for advice and support made a big difference.

“My case manager listened patiently when I was emotional, confused or struggling to explain what I needed. Every conversation, whether in person, on the phone or by message, encouraged me to keep moving forward.”

Nadia’s son was also supported by a Specialist Children’s Practitioner (children’s worker) to ensure his own needs were met, helping with everything he needed. “She heard the worries behind my words and found the solutions to help,” Nadia said.

In addition to practical assistance, Nadia said her son’s children’s worker took the time to build a relationship with him, bringing board games and creating opportunities for him to relax. “Those evenings of laughing and playing together are still precious to us both,” she said.

After two months in refuge, Nadia and her son were able to move into a private rental close to their existing community, giving them a more settled base to continue rebuilding her life with her son.

McAuley helped Nadia connect with RizeUp Australia to furnish the house with all the essentials. She describes this support as a gift of dignity, kindness and the feeling of true belonging.

“After fear, uncertainty and loss, I could finally tell my son, ‘Now we have a home.’”

Finding her feet

Today, Nadia is working in aged care, raising her son and focusing on what comes next. She is also developing her skills in pet grooming, inspired by her beloved dog, who sadly died shortly after she left her former home.

Working with animals has become a source of calm and happiness, and an important part of her healing journey. “Grooming is not only a profession for me,” Nadia said. “It’s also a form of therapy.”

Nadia continues to face the legal, financial and emotional challenges that come with starting again. She is working hard to build a secure future for her son while learning to navigate life independently in Australia.

“My life is not yet stable. I am still learning to stand confidently on my own feet. I can’t say I have fully recovered, but I know I am moving forward.”

Reflecting on the support she received, Nadia said McAuley helped her and her son take the first steps towards a safer future. “When I think of McAuley, I don’t just think of the safe accommodation,” she said. “I remember the smiles, kind words, daily messages, phone calls and help with paperwork, school needs, finances and moving. I remember people who did not make me feel helpless, but helped me believe in myself. My gratitude cannot be described in words.”

While there are still challenges ahead, Nadia looks to the future with hope. She wants to continue developing her skills, explore new opportunities and make time for the things that bring her joy.

“I want to see sunshine, rainbows and smiling faces. I want my son to be happy. And I want to be happy too.”

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.