02/02/2026
I am a victim advocate practitioner.
I work directly with families and children exposed to domestic and family violence. I sit in rooms where deeply distressing experiences are disclosed.
From this work, I can say with confidence: most perpetrators are not held to account.
This is not limited to the “average” offender, accountability is even less likely where there is status, influence, or power.
The idea that justice is quietly doing its work is, in many cases, untrue.
Survivors are the ones left carrying the long-term emotional, psychological, physical and social cost.
Often, perpetrators walk free not because of a lack of evidence, but because trust is breached.
Sensitive information is shared by those survivors are encouraged to rely on, family, friends, community, and faith spaces (mainly church leadership).
Perpetrators are skilled at smear campaigns.
Across my work, most survivors experience the same outcome: betrayal and isolation.
My role is to support survivors to reclaim their voice, establish safety and stability, and reconnect with who they are beyond the harm.
Sometimes safety means boundaries.
Sometimes it means cutting access.
Always, it means choosing yourself.
Our focus for February is safety.
We will be sharing practical information on:
• safety and safety planning
• boundaries and becoming a safe person
• where to seek help when you don’t know where to go
We will also be sharing information on services available for women and children experiencing domestic violence across different states in Australia, as well as apps I have personally used—and recommended to those I support—to help keep families safe.
Through The Powerhouse, we will continue to centre survivor safety, truth, practical support and walk alongside those rebuilding their lives.
