What does community mean to you?
Laura | Tūranganui-a-Kiwa
Laura shares her own story of healing from violence, and the strength she finds in helping others through Tūranga Health.
Content warning: this post includes discussions of domestic violence.
“People say ‘why didn’t you get out?’ But it’s not always easy. Through that time, the abuse, and a lot of the things that happened, it was abuse. Whereas back then I thought it was okay.
‘Well, he’s right. He’s…’ I just sort of went along with it but it just felt like I was trapped.
I remember going to the police, and basically just had to go home. Nothing happened. I remember coming to Gisborne, catching a bus to try and get on a domestic benefit so I could get away, and that failed. I had to end up going back on the bus and just thought, ‘well, I’ve got no choice but to stay here.’
It churns you up inside. You’re waiting at home for him to come home, and you can’t sleep. It’s really horrible. It’s sorta like I just want him to love me for who I am. But it’s not enough.
When I look back now, I wish that I just had the guts to just cut it off because it did have an impact on my children. I often think, I wish I’d been stronger to just walk away earlier.
My community has given me strength, and I know that because I get a lot of phone calls or people turn up at Tūranga Health. ‘Oh, so and so told me to come here, see Laura Biddle.’
And it makes you feel that there’s people in the community who have trust or faith in me; If I’ve sent someone to Tūranga Health and you ask for Laura Biddle, she’ll help you.
This is the happiest of my life. I’m happy where I’m at. I’m strong, I think, for my children. But what also keeps me going is helping others. Even within my job. But it’s just a joy that I have sharing my knowledge and my experiences with whoever comes through Tūranga Health.”
🩷 Where to get help:
Are You OK – Family Violence Information Line: Free call 0800 456 450 at any time to get support from trained counsellors .
Youthline: Free call 0800 376 633, free text 234. Nationwide service focused on supporting young people.
1737: The nationwide, 24/7 mental health support line. Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor.
111: Contact the police if you or a family member are in immediate danger.
