Kristy’s Journey: Finding Strength with Raven Collective

When one final violent incident led to her partner’s arrest and detention, she finally had the chance to rebuild her life. But stepping into freedom wasn’t easy as she now faced homelessness, financial struggles, and the challenge of raising her children alone.

With nowhere else to turn, Kristy moved in with her mother, hoping for a fresh start. But as tensions grew, it became clear that the arrangement would not last. She was placed in crisis accommodation, but at $700 per week, the cost was impossible to sustain. When that ended, she had no choice but to move into a hotel room. This was a temporary solution that was far from ideal. Beyond the uncertainty, a hotel was never meant to be a home, especially for a family trying to rebuild.

Determined to create a safer future, Kristy relocated to New South Wales, thinking distance would bring peace. But when her ex-partner found her and the children, she feared for their safety and moved once again, this time to Brisbane. Just as she was trying to settle, severe flooding hit the city, adding yet another challenge to an already exhausting journey. Out of options, she returned to Victoria, moving back in with her mother once more.

Raven Collective, a Ballarat-based organisation, empowers women who have experienced domestic violence, helping them regain confidence, independence, and employment opportunities. Through their 10-week program, Kristy gained paid work experience, learning skills in packing hampers, managing stock, and workplace readiness. She also received valuable training in resume writing, interview preparation, and job searching, helping her rebuild her professional confidence.

Then, during a guest speaker session, something shifted. Kristy realised that holding onto her past was far more exhausting than moving forward. She began to let go of the fear that had followed her for years, choosing instead to focus on healing.

Today, Kristy is in a completely different place.

She has stable employment, a safe home for her children, and a renewed sense of purpose. She has even taken a bold step toward her dreams by enrolling in a Diploma of Nursing, determined to build a future she never thought possible.

Kristy’s story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. Through the right support, she has turned survival into strength, proving that starting over is possible. Kristy now knows that the future can be much brighter than the past.