Finding Strength, Justice, and Freedom
When Julie was in hospital with broken ribs and severe bruising, a medical professional suspected domestic abuse and gave her contact details for Llamau. Julie had been living in an abusive relationship for 12 years. Physical abuse had become part of Julie’s life, and like many survivors, Julie carried feelings of guilt and self-blame.
Julie didn’t really understand all the different ways people abuse others until she was supported by Llamau. “Then I realised that not only had I been in an abusive relationship for twelve years, but every single relationship I’d ever been in had been abusive. It was a real turning point.”
Julie’s journey of recovery began when she met Karen, a Llamau support worker. “Karen’s been my support throughout everything,” Julie says. “Whenever I’ve needed that little bit of extra support or emotional support, I’d just pick up the phone and she was there at the other end. She came to court with me, she supported me, she was amazing.”
Taking her perpetrator to court was not an easy decision for Julie. It was a process that stretched over four long years. But Julie’s courage and determination did not waver. With Karen’s and Llamau’s support, and the strength she built through attending courses and learning about the cycle of abuse, Julie stood firm. “I spoke out, I got believed, and I got justice,” she says. “That’s what every woman who has been through abuse deserves – justice, to know that if we speak, we’ll be listened to, and something will be done.”
“That’s what every woman who has been through abuse deserves – justice, to know that if we speak, we’ll be listened to, and something will be done.”
Now, with the court case behind her, Julie says that everything has changed. “I’m happier. I’ve got freedom, and I don’t have to worry about what I’m saying or what I’m eating any more. Nobody can take that away from me.”
It has taken time for Julie to heal, but she has reclaimed her strength and her voice. “It took a long time to know it wasn’t my fault, that I didn’t deserve what happened. Time doesn’t make you forget, but you learn to live with what’s happened. And I wouldn’t be sat here today if I hadn’t had the support I had from Karen and Llamau.”
Julie’s story is one of bravery, resilience, and hope. It’s a reminder that no one should have to face abuse – and that with the right support, healing and justice are possible.
