Home / Health / Domestic Violence Survivor Finds Home After Decade
Domestic Violence Survivor Finds Home After Decade
25 Sep
Summary
- Woman fled abuse after brain injury and surgery.
- She lived homeless for a time, then in social housing.
- 71,000 people are on the social housing waitlist in NSW.
Rikki James, a survivor of severe domestic violence, found her 'forever home' in December after a decade-long journey of recovery and resilience. Her ex-partner's violent attack left her with a life-threatening brain aneurysm and the need for surgery.
Despite her critical condition, she endured further abuse before fleeing Cairns for NSW's South Coast. James experienced homelessness, living out of her car, before moving through various social housing arrangements.
Her successful move into secure housing now contrasts sharply with the dire waitlist situation in NSW. As of August, 71,000 individuals were awaiting social housing, with estimated wait times ranging from two to over ten years depending on location.
The state government is working to increase public housing stock, aiming for 8400 homes, half for domestic violence survivors. Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged the ongoing housing shortage despite new constructions and upgrades.
James, now 60, credits her positive outlook to humour and inner strength, drawing inspiration from songs like 'I Am Woman'. Her experience underscores the prolonged struggle many face for safety and stability.
