When one of Amanda’s relatives told her that Presbyterian Support offer a Family Works Parenting Through Separation course, she realised there were people who would understand her situation and support her. She also worked with, and learnt to trust, a Family Works counsellor. “It made a big difference knowing that help is out there if you ask for it,” said Amanda.
Having the Family Works counsellor to confide in increased Amanda’s determination to do what was best for her family. All three children received help to process what they’d been through. “Family Works helped me a lot,” Amanda says.
Encouraged, Amanda also participated in another Presbyterian Support course. This time it was the Family Works Incredible Years parenting course. The 14-week course taught her positive parenting skills, which she immediately put into practice. It helped her to create a supportive, wholesome environment for the children, so they could begin to put their violent past behind them.
Eventually, the Family Court issued a protection order for Amanda and her family. They have a safety plan in place, and Mike has supervised contact with his children for a few hours each week.
Amanda and her children can now enjoy the safety and peace that once seemed so unattainable. “We’re a lot calmer and more relaxed,” she said. “The house feels like a home.”
