My Story By Allison

Hi, my name is Allison. I’m 17 years old, and this is my story.

I am a survivor of domestic violence. From the day I was born until I was about 10, my life was surrounded by fear and pain. My father was abusive emotionally, physically, and mentally. He didn’t just hurt my mum; he hurt me and my sister too. The house we lived in never felt safe. It was filled with yelling, fear, and silence because we were too scared to speak up.

There were days I would try to stay invisible, just so I wouldn’t make him angry. I remember holding my breath when he came home, hoping maybe this time he wouldn’t explode. He controlled everything what we did, what we said, how we felt. And if we didn’t do what he wanted, he made us pay for it. That’s not how a child should grow up.

But the strongest person I know is my mum. Even though she was scared, she found the courage to protect us. She made a plan, and she got us out. She didn’t give up, even when it was hard. One day, she packed our bags, held our hands, and walked us out of that nightmare. She chose freedom over fear, not just for herself, but for me and my sister too.

Since then, life hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been safe. We’ve had to rebuild emotionally, mentally, and sometimes even physically. But with support, love, and time, we are healing. I now know what real love looks like. I’ve learned that violence is never okay. I’ve learned that speaking out is brave, not weak. And I’ve learned that your past doesn’t have to define your future.

I share my story not for sympathy, but for strength. Because there are others like me young people living in fear, unsure of what’s normal, afraid to ask for help. I want them to know: you are not alone, and it is not your fault. There is a way out, and there are people who care.

My name is Allison. I’m a survivor. And I believe that every child deserves to grow up in a home filled with safety, love, and peace.

These funds will go to Full Stop Australia who has been supporting victim-survivors of rape, sexual, domestic and family violence for 50 years.

We need your support.