In this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast, Julia chats with single mum Angela Hadchiti.

The 25th of November was White Ribbon Day - the International day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The message is loud and clear - stand up, speak out, and act! And that is exactly what this week's guest, Angela, has done and continues to do. She is a domestic violence survivor, and thriver.

Her story is one of horror, and one that no one should have to go through. Angela endured 19 years of physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse from her husband. Five Apprehended Violence Orders were taken out on her husband throughout her marriage. Her husband abused her so badly that Angela received multiple injuries (including a broken neck) which led to hospitalisation. Angela received death threats, and her children were even told in graphic detail how he planned to carry that out.

Angela was one of the "lucky" ones. She didn't die. She is here to tell her story. And despite the horror and unimaginable events that she and her three daughters had to endure, Angela has come out stronger than she has ever been. Furthermore, she has used her experience to help other victims of domestic violence.

One of the hardest things she and her eldest daughter had to do (due to a major loophole that existed) was to go to Court and be subject to cross examination by the alleged perpetrator who was representing himself. This led Angela to wanting change. She didn't want anyone else to have to go through what her daughter and herself had to go through. And so a petition begun. Angela has had almost 20,000 people sign the petition which helped bring the matter to the surface. Steps have since been made to make changes to the legislation - The Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Cross‑examination of Parties) Bill 2017 - which would see a court-appointed representative ask questions on behalf of the alleged perpetrator.

Angela is one strong, brave, and incredibly remarkable woman. This is her story.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Angela has previously contributed her story to the Single Mother Survival Guide Blog. You can read that story here.

Sign Angela's petition to help change the legislation here.

Connect with Angela, and visit the Unheard Voice Facebook page here.

Staying Home Leaving Violence program

Westcare

Domestic Violence Line NSW - 1800 65 64 63

1800 Respect - 1800 737 732

Victim Services NSW

Domestic Violence Support - services around Australia

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