Violence can happen to anyone, at any age – including a 92 year old man we recently supported

An elderly man and his daughter had fled their family home due to severe elder abuse from his adult children. With nothing but a bag of clothes each, they spent six months in temporary refuge before finally securing permanent social housing. We took special care in preparing their new home, sourcing an orthopedic bed for Dad's health and a Lazyboy chair for his much-needed comfort.

The day of the setup was deeply emotional. As our truck pulled up, he asked in shock, 'How much of this is for me?' We replied, 'All of it.' He then asked, 'How much do I owe you?' Our reply was simple: 'Nothing.' As he sat in his new chair, watching us set up his home, tears streamed down his face. 'When do I have to return it all?' he asked. We hugged him, handed him a tissue, and answered, 'Never. This is all yours to keep forever.'

Men experiencing family violence often go unseen – yet many Dad's like this one we helped, face desperate situations

The Police Family Harm team reached out when they found a dad and his four young children living in emergency housing, described as "not fit for anyone, even an animal." Sadly, emergency housing is often the only immediate option for families caught between fleeing danger and securing a new home.

When this dad finally found a rental, he was faced with the daunting reality of having nothing to fill it. This is where our service became crucial. Two of his children have developmental delays and Autism, making it essential that their new home be furnished with everything necessary to support their very specific needs and help them manage their unique challenges.

This story exemplifies our mission – recognising and responding to the individual circumstances of each and every person we assist. By customising their home, we created a safe, nurturing environment that addressed both their emotional and physical needs, enabling them to begin healing from trauma and rebuilding healthy lives.

A growing need in our migrant and refugee communities

One of our frontline referral agencies in West Auckland requested our assistance to furnish a home for a woman of Indian origin and her young son, who had fled severe violence.

When they sought refuge 14 months earlier, this mother was devastated. She had lost her home – a source of great pride – and faced isolation and estrangement due to cultural expectations she endure her suffering to avoid bringing shame on her family.

For the first time in her life, finding and setting up a new home in her own name – including utilities – was a turning point. Overwhelmed yet empowered, it marked her first steps toward independence and regaining control over her life and her son’s future.

When we furnished her home, we lifted the burden from her shoulders, providing all the essentials, including a desk and computer. More than just furniture, these items were tools that opened doors to her new life – she enrolled in university and is now on her way to becoming a doctor.

She keeps in touch, sharing regular updates on her progress and the new life she and her son are building. Her journey is a powerful example of how the right support fuels hope and determination, leading to life-changing transformation.

Tim Wetherall | Child & Family Psychologist

With over a decade of experience working with families in South Auckland communities, Child and Family Psychologist Tim Wetherall has seen first-hand how significant adversity and trauma require substantial support and intervention to restore lives.

When families flee from violent situations, they often have little time to plan, organise, or gather important belongings. Children in these situations typically don’t have the opportunity to choose their most treasured possessions. They miss these objects, and when they are lost, children can experience heightened grief, loss and trauma, as these acted as non judgemental and safe emotional anchors, providing comfort and security during conflict and distress.

Furnishing a home and providing many of the practical items survivors need can significantly reduce stress and create a sense of normalcy. It transforms an unfamiliar space into a livable home, nurturing stability for both the children and the family. Replacing cherished objects helps children heal, offering a pathway to ownership and stability. It accelerates recovery and improves the chances of overcoming traumatic experiences and symptoms.

Creating a loving home offers a solid foundation for healing, allowing families to focus on restoring and rebuilding their lives by removing one of the key stressors associated with setting up a home.

Dr Gail Ratcliffe | Clinical Psychologist

With years of experience presenting evidence to Parliamentary committees, training Family Court Judges and psychologists, and publishing on the effects of family violence, Dr Gail Ratcliffe endorses Woven Earth for its positive impact on family violence survivors and their children. She emphasises the critical importance of practical support in helping survivors rebuild their lives.

This charity is an essential link in enabling family violence survivors to make meaningful lives for themselves and their children in the community.

Many women must flee violent homes without money or possessions, and refuges have limited capacity to provide these. By working directly with frontline agencies like refuges, Woven Earth is providing practical assistance by furnishing their new homes and offering sporting and other recreational activities for children. It supports women in their decision to leave violent partners and help with their integration into a new and non-violent community.