Everyday, I was a different mask for an emotion I didn’t feel
There’s a blur between us
Your anger is my burden
Your raised hand will be my ache tomorrow
My vision is consumed with your concerns
Your troubles demand my solutions
Your frustrations will be my shortcomings
Our wants are painted in your needs
Your desire is my job
Your pleasure is where mine ends
We progress according to your definitions
Your failures are not real
My triumphs do not exist
I saw in me what was being challenged in others
Your words were not mine
My existence was valid
Then one day I was most of me.
Tomorrow, I will be all of me.
Resources and HelpLines
1800 RESPECT
1800 737 732
is a free and confidential twenty-four hours, seven days a week, professional national counselling service for any Australian that has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline
Victims Services has a dedicated contact line for Aboriginal victims of crime who would like information on victims rights, how to access counselling and financial assistance.
ACON
LGBTI health organisation offering information, referrals, counselling, advocacy and practical support for LGBTI people in NSW experiencing DFV.
(02) 9206 2000
Another Closet: LGBTIQ Domestic and Family Violence
Another Closet provides information and resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people who are experiencing domestic violence.
Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS)
ANROWS aims to deliver relevant and translatable research evidence that drives policy and practice, leading to a reduction in the levels of violence against women and their children. It produces and publishes relevant research on domestic, family and sexual violence through its suite of publications.
Blue Knot Foundation
Telephone counselling for adult survivors of childhood trauma, their friends, family and the health care professionals who support them. Call 1300 657 380 between 9am-5pm for counselling services or email at helpline@blueknot.org.au.
Kids Help Line
Free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 in Australia. Call 1800 551 800 for help.
LifeLine
Mensline Australia
1300 78 99 78
Support for men concerned about their own violent behaviour.
National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline
An Australia-wide telephone hotline for reporting abuse and neglect of people with disability.
Call the free hotline on 1800 880 052.
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service
1800 737 732 (24/7)
Relationships Australia
Support groups and counselling on relationships, and for abusive and abused partners.
To be connected to the nearest Relationships Australia, call 1300 364 277 (for the cost of a local call).
RSPCA – Safe Beds for Pets
Provides temporary safe housing for pets of people who are escaping domestic violence.
(02) 9782 4408
