Where to get help

Diana presented with heightened awareness about how her identity was perceived, being cautious and reserved after experiencing trauma and instability. Courage Collective staff recognised the importance of creating a safe, affirming environment where Diana could rebuild trust and confidence.

Courage Collective fostered an inclusive space for Diana to experiment with clothing, makeup, and presentation — affirming her identity. We facilitated access to LGBTIQA+ specialist counselling and supported Diana’s hormone replacement therapy by connecting her with appropriate medical professionals.

When Diana's father passed away, she chose to care for her younger sibling. Courage Collective advocated with Homes Victoria to secure long-term, sustainable housing for both Diana and her sibling, ensuring stability during significant personal change.

Upon arrival, Omar was overweight, experienced incontinence, had poor dental health, and didn't speak English, leaving him isolated from peers. 

During refuge, Omar received dental and medical care and was enrolled in school, where his health and English improved. Referred to Child & Adolescent Therapy, Omar initially displayed trauma re-enactment in play and incontinence. 

With consistent therapeutic support, these symptoms resolved as Omar developed safe relationships and began processing his experiences.

Omar attended Therapeutic Playgroup with his mother and sister, enhancing his English, social connections, and attachment with his mother through child-led play. His mother obtained an Intervention Order and secured long-term community housing. Omar continues attending school and accessing support services, creating a foundation for ongoing safety and allowing him to thrive free from family violence.

The relationship started lovingly, but within two years, her former partner began using significant violence. After entering refuge, Lisa was suffering debilitating anxiety from being forcibly isolated from her country, family, and cultural connections for nearly ten years, though her resilience pushed her through each day.

Lisa is an Aboriginal artist and returned to dot painting in her unit and yard while young children watched. Courage Collective commissioned Lisa to create a mural saying "Wominjeka" (welcome in the Woi Wurrung language) on an outside refuge wall.

Lisa is determined to reconnect with her culture and has successfully connected with a cultural healer with whom she works daily. This work has been instrumental in Lisa reconnecting to culture and her estranged children.

At referral, Patricia faced multiple barriers, including age-related vulnerability, cultural isolation, lack of financial resources, and no access to safe housing. Her limited English proficiency and long-term social isolation compounded these challenges, yet she demonstrated resilience and a desire to engage with others.

Courage Collective provided tailored, trauma-informed support focusing on empowerment, safety, and social inclusion. We assisted Patricia with Centrelink applications and social housing pathways. Despite language barriers, Patricia actively participated in refuge meetings and social events.

Courage Collective successfully advocated for Patricia to receive housing from Women's Housing Limited in one of their newly built properties. Although Patricia has exited refuge, she continues engaging with Courage Collective through community groups and contributes to the refuge garden, reflecting the lasting impact of our support.

Within two weeks, Courage Collective staff became concerned for Emily's mental health. She was unable to have coherent conversations, and the family often lacked food. Emily struggled with parenting her traumatised children, who were dysregulated and distressed.

After advocacy by Courage Collective staff, Emily was admitted to hospital for mental health treatment and connected with a community mental health team. Once Emily's mental health was stable, the family began to flourish in the refuge's safe environment.

Courage Collective supported Emily to enrol the children in daycare and Medicare and claim her full Centrelink entitlements. Over several months, Emily became increasingly independent, preparing to return to work, attending appointments without her case manager, and securing private rental accommodation.

Emily remains focused on building a safe future for herself and the children while achieving her goal of returning to work.

Arriving from a Southeast Asian country in December 2023, Mala spoke very little English, was isolated, and had no supports in Australia.

On a Bridging Visa after applying for a Partner Visa, Courage Collective worked with a migration lawyer from Women's Legal Service for over 12 months to substantiate her experience of family violence. In April 2025, Mala was granted Permanent Residency.

During her time with Courage Collective, Mala enrolled in English classes, participated in a mentor program for job seeking, volunteered on the coffee cart at the local Community Centre, gained her driver's licence, reclaimed her car from her perpetrator, and achieved community housing.

Mala is now living an independent life free from violence and has begun a Certificate III in Aged Care and Disability to pursue a career in this field.