Shifra is a single mum with one child. She arrived in Australia with her husband on a boat, and they were detained on Nauru. 

While in detention, Shifra became pregnant with and gave birth to her daughter, and was then subsequently released into community detention with her daughter, but without her husband.

When Shifra was introduced to the Finding Safety Project, Shifra did not know anybody in the community, and she was suffering anxiety as a result of her time in detention.

An important mandate of the Finding Safety Project is being able to provide women who have experienced trauma with a space to feel safe, supported and empowered.

Shifra was able to access mental health support, food, and rental assistance through the Finding Safety Project, and the Women’s Space gave Shifra and her daughter opportunities to make friends, and experience belonging. 

“The Women’s Space was like my other home. I felt so isolated but after coming to the women’s space, I met friends and don’t feel alone. I am very grateful for everything they have done. My daughter made friends too.”

Shifra and her daughter have now been resettled in the US and is looking forward to beginning a new life.

*name changed to protect story-teller’s identity

16 Days of Activism

JRS Australia is participating in the call to action presented by the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls. This story has been shared as part of our “16 Days, 16 Stories” Campaign for 2023, focusing on the work we do through our Finding Safety Project to support women on temporary visas who have experienced or are at risk of sexual or gender-based violence. 

We sincerely hope that reading these stories, and learning more about the important work our Finding Safety Project does in the absence of any other coordinated or government support, will inspire you to invest in us, invest in the women we serve, and invest in a future where women and girls are free from all forms of violence.

Visit our 16 Days, 16 Stories campaign page to learn more.