The Pink Room
This room can hold a woman and up to 4 children. Tracy and her three children are living in it at present. Tracy came to us because her husband tried to choke her. He had been drinking at the time. She wanted to go home the next day because she believed it was all her fault. She had left him twice before. In discussing the dynamics of this relationship with the workers it became clear to her that she was rescuing him and excusing his behaviour. She admitted that she needed to be needed and would put up with violence if it would please him.
She has started counselling and is taking part in a group for co-dependents. She is resolved not to go back until her husband recognises he has a drinking problem and chooses to get help for himself. The children are all relieved to be out of the situation and have settled in to their new school. They will be moving into one of our Transitional houses in a few days, until she has gained enough confidence to go it alone, which will offer her independent living but still have the shelter’s support.
If you want to know more about:
Domestic Violence and the Church
www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au
Alcohol Abuse
www.medicinenet.com/Alcohol_Abuse_and_AlcoholismSupport for partners of Alcoholics
www.alcoholicsanonymous.org.auPrograms for Men
“Changing Abusive Behaviour” Program run by Centacare, Tasmania Phone 6278 1660How to obtain a Restraint Order
www.courts.tas.gov.au/magistrate/criminal/info_4.htm
