A 22-year-old Mandurah domestic violence victim, who has experienced enough struggle to “last a lifetime”, says reaching out for support set her on the road to recovery.
Mother-of-two Kieana Copeland said she had experienced unhealthy past relationships affected by an ex-partner’s drug use.
“I wasn’t aware how bad it was until we had split up,” she said.
“He just flipped. I had to get restraining orders. There was everyday abuse. I’ve been through enough struggle to last a lifetime.”
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Ms Copeland said another partner tried to control her and isolate her from friends and family.
But she said her life had turned around since connecting with victims and support services, including the WA Mum’s Cottage, located in Mandurah, and the 24-hour women’s support line.
“I was over the moon – realising other people are or have been in the same situation as you,” Ms Copeland said.
“When I first came (to the cottage), we all cried on the couch for about an hour.
When I first came (to the cottage), we all cried on the couch for about an hour.
- Kieana Copeland
“They get it and they have all been there.”
Ms Copeland said the support line was a good way to vent at all hours.
“That support line is the best thing ever,” she said.
“I reckon I have called them about 30 times, even if it’s just to cry – they just listen.
“I tell all my girlfriends, even if they are just having a sad day and you can’t deal with life to call them.”
Women champion each other through their shared stories.
- WA Mums Cottage founder Kaye Seeber
Ms Copeland said she was well and truly on the road to recovery and in the process of organising a ‘self-love’ walking event for the Mandurah community.
“I want to give back and help other women, like they helped me,” she said.
“I want women, who are going through domestic violence, anxiety and depression and body issues to come together.”
WA Mums Cottage founder Kaye Seeber said the five-day drop-in centre predominantly saw women and children who had experienced domestic violence.
“Young mums, single mums, lots of mental illness and people struggling to navigate the court system,” she said.
“It’s very daunting going through the system.”
Ms Seeber said she started the centre to bring women together.
“They think they’re alone,” she said.
“Our volunteers are trained to find out the women’s need and resource them through different agencies.
“Women champion each other through their shared stories.”
- Call police on 000 in an emergency or 131 444 to report an incident. For counselling or support services call the free 24 hour Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 007 339.
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
