A Newcastle-based project has seen 40 women step up to tell their stories of escape and survival from domestic and family violence.
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Founded by women’s coach Kellie Mills, The 100 Alice Stories Project began in 2015. It invites 100 women to come forward and share their stories to help others still trapped and who need help.
“I thought that I would probably never know if the stories inspired a woman to make the change, and that was okay,” Ms Mills said.
“However, I recently found out about how a young pregnant woman with a black eye and other bruising, who went to enquire about how to rent an apartment at a real estate agent in Queensland, made the big step to freedom as a result of the 100 Alice Stories.”
Ms Mills said the property manager who had also been a victim of domestic violence made the young woman a coffee and sat and talked with her for a while.
The woman was unsure about whether she could or should leave her violent partner.
“She was given the website for 100 Alice Stories and the property manager told her ‘Have a read and a think about what you want to do and I will hold the apartment for you until tomorrow’,” Ms Mills said.
“The young woman came in and signed the next day.”
“I cannot express in words how that made me feel. I burst into tears.”
Women are encouraged to submit their story and when 100 stories have been compiled the book will be published in hard copy.
All authors will be named Alice to protect their identity.
“The feedback I have had from the women sharing their stories has been overwhelming,” Ms Mills said. “Nearly all of the women have said that they feel empowered by being able to help others with their story, even though the actual telling and re-living is a painful experience.”
Some of the comments submitted to the project include: “I feel like I am losing some of the shame I have carried since childhood.”
Alice #21, “I am now feeling lighter and believe I can close that chapter of my life after telling my story.”
Alice #80, “You have a voice, so don't believe you are weak or stupid or ugly or dumb or anything other bad thing your partner has forced you to believe about yourself.
