Mercy Care Stories

Lan’s Story

Lan* was a young woman who had been in Australia for less than a year. She lived with her husband and his parents, where she had endured physical and emotional abuse from her husband as well as from his mother.

She shared some of her experiences with the staff. She said that she was not allowed to eat more than once a day, and had to ask permission from her husband or his mother to go to the toilet – if her request was denied, she simply had to wait. Each night she had to massage her husband’s feet, begging for him to let her sleep, which he refused to do.

Throughout her stay at Mercy Care, Lan was inconsolable. She would not stop crying, and told the day worker that her family back in India thought she was living in paradise and had no idea of what she was going through.

Siobhan’s Story

An Australian woman in her twenties named Siobhan* came to Mercy Care very traumatized. Siobhan had endured many years of abuse and torture from her partner.

Siobhan’s behaviour was child-like and she was too frightened to stay alone. Over the weekend the workers spent a great deal of their shift supporting her. It became clear that Siobhan needed mental health assistance. The DV Crisis Line arranged for her to attend a mental health service the following Monday. 

Sarah’s Story 

After communicating via the internet with a long time family friend, Sarah* decided to travel from the UK to Australia to stay with him.

On arrival she was treated very badly. Sarah wasn’t allowed out and was physically abused. This went on for a couple of months, until finally, after Sarah was badly bashed, the abuser’s son came to her aid and took her to a local police station.  

Sarah did not have the opportunity to see anything of Australia during her visit. Sadly, she said that the best time she had had in Australia was at Mercy Care. Sarah was pleased when a worker on duty gave her a football and a Collingwood cap to take back to the UK for her two teenage sons.

Marta and Louise's Story

On one occasion at Mercy Care there were two women, Marta* and Louise*, who did not speak English and could not communicate verbally, yet identified with each other’s pain. They clung to each other and wept. The worker on duty said it was a very emotional and powerful experience for the women and for herself.

Sally’s Story

Sally* and her two small children stayed at Mercy Care for two nights. The first night after her shower she started crying. Sally told the worker that this was the first shower that she had had on her own in the last two and a half years. Her partner always demanded he join her.

Felix’s Story

Felix* was four years old and came from the Asia Pacific region. His mother, Margaret*, was heavily pregnant. Felix and Margaret stayed at Mercy Care for the weekend.

Felix loved his time in the playroom; particularly the attention he got from the workers! But it was his amazing sight that had all the workers impressed. Felix could spot caterpillars in the trees in the backyard, and would have all of us standing, staring and tilting our heads as he pointed one out and said “right, there!”

It was very impressive that a child so low to the ground could see so many with his naked eye. A praying mantis so cleverly camouflaged to all suddenly emerged as Felix made its existence known to the world. Standing on a chair, we had many fascinating discussions about the caterpillars, their eating/sleeping habits, and their amazing transformation into butterflies. Felix left with a caterpillar book we gave him and leaves me smiling to myself every time I wander past the tree.

*Names have been changed.