Jane’s Story
Ending the Domestic Violence Downward Spiral
Victims of long-term domestic violence with limited resources frequently spiral downwards and become involved in crime, as part of the cycle of abuse. Although Jane (together with her new baby) was eventually placed in custody, her spiral didn’t end there – now she had no capacity to make repayments on her many crisis “payday” loans and no control over how her property was used.
Jane knew she had debts but didn’t know what they were or how to manage them but was cautious about the LawRight financial counsellor who visited the Correctional Centre each fortnight. The other prisoners encouraged her to connect.
At her first appointment, Jane was shocked to learn that while she was in prison, her ex-partner had driven her car and incurred $6,000 of speeding fines in her name as well as a 6-month licence suspension. If Jane had driven her car on release, it would breach her parole and she’d be returned to prison.
Over many appointments Jane had the fines withdrawn and re-issued to the actual driver, which also lifted the suspension on her licence. LawRight also worked with Jane to resolve an additional $3,000 in other fines and $15,000 in crippling debts.
Over many months, the financial counsellor also increased Jane’s financial literacy and her understanding of her rights and entitlements. Jane learnt to budget and track her spending.
On release, Jane secured safe accommodation for her small family – housing that was only affordable and sustainable because her debts had been resolved. LawRight continues to support Jane – now firmly on her upwards spiral!
“I would like to say thank you so much for all of your help with my financial struggles if I didn’t have, you’re help I don’t know if I would have been able to get back into my feet. You went out of your way to help me resolve any issues with the department of transport and so much more I really appreciate everything you have done for me it has really made a lot of things so much easier for me to get my life back on track.”
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