Lula experienced childhood domestic violence and sexual abuse at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend when she was 3-4 years old, and again found herself in an abusive relationship in her young adulthood. Lula became a survivor advocate as she wants Australians to understand all types of people can and do experience sexual assault, domestic and family violence. These issues are impacting everyone’s lives in one way or another, it is not remote or distant to you. The people who experience, and the people who use sexual, domestic and family violence, are people you already know.

Her message for children who are experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence is to listen to the little voice inside them that is telling them “this isn’t right” and find the courage to speak up, tell someone. It is not a secret you have to keep and you are not responsible for the person hurting you. To adult survivors, it does not have to be a life sentence or pattern you repeat. What you experienced is not a reflection of your worth or your potential for creating loving relationships and families of your own. CDVA can help you.  Lula advocates for more focus on the people who use violence and abusive behaviours as accountable, with improved interventions and support to reduce their use of violence.  Until these people address their behaviours, others, mostly women and children, will remain at risk.