The title of this one is in honour of a somewhat father figure I love dearly!
The advice from the ever increasing campaign against domestic violence doesn’t seem to be up to handling the fallout from the issue. The first port of call is the DVConnect line 1800 811 811. They termed the slogan, ‘Help is just a phone call away’. Previous to experiencing domestic violence to be honest I didn’t know what to do or where to go if I found myself in domesticated violence situation. I remember upon learning of this service I felt like maybe they would wrap me up in cotton wool and have all the answers. It would come with qualified and experienced social workers or something lovely and safe.
In reality, to date I have not gotten any real help. I have found it a struggle to find housing and an interim solution while awaiting rehab. Tonight especially I called, explained my situation of having to leave where I was staying due to issues bought on by a previously domestically violent partner and the fact that I did not feel safe there anymore. I called them from a bus shelter and told them that I literally had no where to go. My details were taken down and I was told I would get a call back within half an hour. Once again I was pointed in the direction of the homeless hotline only to be told there were no availability’s anywhere in Brisbane, possibly one space at the Gold Coast but I would have to call them. I then called DVConnect back, while still sitting in the bus shelter. I explained that there was nothing in terms of refuge. I mentioned that I may be able to stay with a friend but I needed a way to get there. Yes I was asked ‘can your friend pick you up?’, I think that would be an obvious question I would ask but no they cannot. I was put on hold for a while and I was eventually told that no. There was no help in paying for transport or a means to get there. I was told ‘good luck’ and the call ended.
This meant what? ‘Help is just a phone call away. Maybe not so much as the ad the slogan tells us? I felt that in no way was help just a phone call away. If it had not been for an amazing new friend who has really gone above and beyond for me lately leaving her husband and kids at home to go out of her way to drive me where I needed to go then I would have been sleeping at that bus stop. This is not the first time I have had this dilemma when calling DVConnect. I would say other than writing me a letter they have not been the best resource.
Please don’t get me wrong, I am not criticizing them in anyway nor do I blame them. I do believe they do their best and the people working there genuinely care. This in my opinion is more of a underfunded program the governing body’s put out as a smoke screen. If it sounds good then we must care right? Wrong!
So I ask, ‘what’s the fucking point?’ It’s disheartening to find yourself in a position where you desperately need the help, reach out for that help and find yourself let down time and time again.
I honestly would prefer not to have it at all.
Seeming like you are doing the ‘right thing’ isn’t helpful. It’s insulting!!
DIARIES FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 