Rebuilding Lives: A Journey Towards Safety and Change

Ali, a father in his early 40s with three children to two women, was referred to Jannawi in October last year after a serious history of violence towards the mother of his youngest child, Faye. The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) raised significant concerns about his ongoing drug use, breaches of Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs), and the continued risks to Faye and their son, who was just 18 months old at the time.

Despite the strengthened AVO conditions, Faye struggled to maintain boundaries, continuing to visit Ali’s home due to complex trauma, coercive control, and her hope that he would change for the sake of their child. DCJ attempted to engage Ali, but he refused to take responsibility, blaming Faye for the situation while continuing his substance use.

At Jannawi, our focus was on Faye’s safety and empowerment. We provided specialist counselling in violence and sexual abuse and worked with her to address the deep-seated trauma from her own childhood. We were clear from the start: engaging with Ali was not an option unless he was willing to take meaningful steps towards change. We reinforced that no contact was the safest option for her and her child. Over time, Faye established firm boundaries, distancing herself from unsafe family members and resisting the ongoing harassment from Ali’s family.

Ali was later jailed, and following his release, Faye made a pivotal decision—if he wanted to see their son, he would have to engage with Jannawi. A court-ordered Corrections Order soon followed, reinforcing the need for him to work with us. By this time, Faye had begun following AVO conditions, ensuring both her and her son’s safety.

In April, Ali reached out to Jannawi, expressing his desire to take the necessary steps to be part of his son’s life. At his first assessment, he denied using violence but acknowledged his ‘shitty behavior,’ his history of disrespect, and his drug use. Since then, he has attended ten consecutive sessions at Jannawi, where he is beginning to explore his past, understand what constitutes a healthy relationship, and learn what it means to be a safe and responsible father.

A critical turning point for Ali was his time in prison. He has since reconnected with his faith and made the decision to plead guilty in court to the charges against him. With agreements in place through the legal system, Ali and Faye have cautiously begun meeting in public so he can see their son—entirely on Faye’s terms. Ali understands that trust is not easily rebuilt and is committed to demonstrating consistent change over time.

Ali also maintains regular contact with his older children from his first marriage and hopes that one day, his youngest son will be able to visit his home.

This journey highlights the importance of comprehensive support that prioritizes safety, accountability, and long-term change. At Jannawi, we remain committed to working with families to break cycles of violence and build a future where every child can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.