Eniya* was only 25 when she escaped an abusive relationship without any belongings or support for her and her newborn daughter.
She’d been with her partner Dev* for a year and had just moved into his flat in Matraville when they found out they were pregnant. Dev didn’t take the news well, but Eniya put that down to shock and hoped things would work out.
It wasn’t long before her partner’s behaviour became controlling. Dev wanted to know where Eniya was at all times, and even began tracking her movements. He told her what to wear, who she could speak to and she was seeing less of her family as her life became increasingly under his control.
“I started to realise how small my life had become, and that he was controlling me. I wasn’t the same person I was.”
Not long after Eniya had her daughter, she bravely made the decision to leave. After several attempts, she finally got out – for the last time – with little belongings or support for her and her newborn daughter, Tara*.
With the help of South Eastern Community Connect (SECC) and The Nappy Collective, Eniya found accommodation and the support she needed to start her new life. This included a generous supply of nappies for her little girl.
“I’ll never forget the day my caseworker turned up with three full packets of nappies. She told me the nappies had come from The Nappy Collective. I am so thankful for them. They have been able to support me with nappies every month since I escaped.”
For Eniya, nappy donations have meant more money for food, rent and other essentials and a reminder that help is always available and people really do care.
“This support reminds me I am not alone. I want to encourage any other mums in my situation by saying that they are not alone in their struggle. It’s not easy, but there is help out there if you look for it and you’ll be amazed at the difference that help makes.”
*Names changed for privacy and protection reasons.
To find out more about the support we offer mums, contact SECC on (02) 7903 0607.