“Good Shepherd literally pulled me out of a pit I was slowly falling into…I am not the same woman I was.” – Sarah*
Financial abuse, like all family and domestic violence, is about control and power. It is just as harmful as physical abuse and it is often what keeps women trapped in an abusive relationship or cycle. Good Shepherd’s Financial Independence Hub (FIH) helps individuals sort out the financial mess and get control over their finances again.
Sarah, whose name and image is changed to protect her privacy, recalls how FIH’s advocacy and support “literally saved us,” by providing guidance during interactions with creditors and helping her navigate a seemingly hopeless situation.
She had been trapped in a cycle of domestic and financial abuse for over 20 years. Her partner’s manipulation left her facing massive debts and the threat of losing her home, leading to isolation and despair.
“It was life-changing to have someone advocate for me when I couldn’t see a way out.”
Through FIH, Maria learned about financial abuse—a term she had not known before—and discovered her legal rights. This knowledge empowered her to make crucial decisions for her financial security and her children’s well-being. She found hope in realising that there was a life without abuse and intimidation, something she had not believed was possible. With continuous support from FIH, she rebuilt her life, transforming from feeling overwhelmed by adversity into reclaiming her confidence and focussing on her self-care.
Her self-esteem flourished, and she resumed her education and began working again. Her children, once caught in a turbulent environment, now thrived in school and sports, embodying the cycle-breaking change she fought for.
Reflecting on her journey, Maria describes herself as “completely evolved” and unrecognisable from the person she was when in the abusive relationship.
“Engaging with Good Shepherd empowered me to find my voice, rebuild my life, and show my children that cycles of abuse can be broken.”
FIH not only provided Sarah with practical tools but also a compassionate connection that helped her rediscover herself. She emphasises that without this bridge of support, many women would struggle to move forward. Today, Sarah is grateful for the program’s ongoing assistance, which has been a catalyst for her profound transformation from merely surviving to truly living.
Together, we can create lasting change and build a brighter future for women, girls and their families.
Your gift today will go directly towards Good Shepherd’s recovery programs, and will mean that women like Sarah and their families will be supported on the road to recovery.
Make a Donation Today
Disclaimer
*To maintain client dignity and privacy, and to respect the sensitive nature of our work, this web page changed client names and includes AI-generated imagery.
I hereby give consent for Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand to collect my information for marketing and fundraising purposes, and to debit donations with the financial details I provide in accordance with Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand’s privacy policy.
We're here to help
About Us
Learn more about Good Shepherd here
Contact Us
For donations: [email protected]
Our Services
More info? Click here