You meet the man of your dreams. A fairy-tale wedding. A promise of forever. And then… the abuse begins.
This is the beginning of Carisa’s story – a journey of survival through unimaginable cruelty.
For three years, Carisa’s partner controlled every aspect of her life. The violence escalated from verbal attacks to physical beatings, leaving her bruised, broken, and terrified for her daughter’s life.
“I kept making excuses for him because he came from a dysfunctional family. I thought our love would help him,” Carisa recalls.
Before meeting her partner, Carisa was a strong, independent businesswoman. But over time, he stripped everything away – her confidence, her freedom, and her identity.
“There were four or five times I thought he was going to kill me. I was struck with baseball bats, crystal candlestick holders, and even stabbed with scissors,” she explains.
Then came the final, brutal attack.
“The last time he beat me, he used a hammer, smashing it against my head and all over my body. He tried to strangle me, and I thought I was going to pass out. So, I called my family.”
That desperate call changed everything.
Carisa and her daughter found temporary safety and shelter and were eventually being referred to Bart’s Plus supported family accommodation. Here, she received not only protection, but kindness, understanding, and the support she desperately needed.
Today, Carisa has moved into long-term accommodation provided by the Department of Housing and continues rebuilding her life through St Bart’s Reconnecting Lives Program.
“St Bart’s have the most amazing people. They listen to you. They take you in like family. They checked on me every day, and on my daughter. If we need anything, we know they will always be there for us,” Carisa shares.
Thanks to supporters like you, Carisa and her daughter are now safe.
There are many women facing the terrifying reality of homelessness, many who remain invisible or who deal with unimaginable circumstances.
With your support, we can give more women like Carisa a second chance.
Carisa’s story is based on a real lived experience, her name and image is changed for her protection
St Bart’s acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land that we live and work on, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We are privileged to work with, and alongside, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and encourage those who are emerging as leaders.
St Bart’s is committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms. We welcome and support the health and wellbeing of all people, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion and gender identity.