Mission Australia’s Danielle shares her story in White Ribbon Woman’s Day

In this week’s White Ribbon issue of Woman’s Day, Danielle Guttridge – Mission Australia Case Manager for Brighter Futures in Cootamundra – tells how she turned her life around after suffering years of domestic violence.

Two-and-a-half years ago, Danielle escaped an abusive relationship with her three children and nothing more than the clothes on their backs.

The young mum ended up staying in a relative’s empty home in Cootamundra, which is where she self-referred to Brighter Futures.

This early intervention service provides support for families who have children aged eight or under and are facing issues such as domestic violence, parental drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues or learning difficulties.

Brighter Futures helped Danielle to find secure accommodation, provided her daughters with school uniforms and placed her youngest child in childcare. They also assisted her to enrol in further education so she could study a Certificate IV in Community Services.

After volunteering with Mission Australia, she worked in administration with us and then applied for a position with Brighter Futures in July 2011, and kicked off her new career.

In this week Woman’s Day, Danielle speaks of her remarkable transformation from a life of abuse to becoming a successful career woman who now helps others who are escaping domestic violence.

“I’m living proof you can escape an abusive relationship and restore your life,” she tells Woman’s Day. “I just wish I’d had the courage to pick up the girls and leave earlier. Thankfully I finally did.

“No man has the right to make you feel ugly, worthless or ashamed. No man has the right to hit you, ridicule or enslave you. No-one does.”

To read more about Danielle’s inspiring journey pick up a copy of this week’s Woman’s Day. The issue also features strong woman such as Melissa Doyle, Giaan Rooney, Carrie Bickmore, Chris Bath and Sandra Sully speaking out in support of White Ribbon Day – which aims to stop violence towards women.

To support White Ribbon Day on November 25, visit myoath.com.au.

You can also read more about Danielle’s amazing journey in the Summer 2011 issue of Transformations - Mission Australia's quarterly newsletter.