No child should bear witness to the chaos of domestic violence. Yet estimates reveal that over two million children across Australia endure abuse within their homes before reaching the age of 15.
When we first encountered Mason* in his home, the scene was heartbreaking. Clad in pyjamas, his eyes were fixed on the television with the volume set to an extreme. He sought refuge in distractions to cope with the overwhelming distress he had endured from witnessing domestic violence since infancy.
His experiences of domestic violence had silenced Mason, leaving him feeling isolated and struggling to articulate his pain.
Absent from school and labelled as ‘non-verbal’, Mason was missing the key elements for a nurtured, safe and cheerful childhood: laughter, play, routine and a secure bond with his primary caregiver—essentials for every child’s growth and development into a happy, thriving individual.
His experiences of domestic violence had silenced Mason, leaving him feeling isolated and struggling to articulate his pain.
The repercussions of domestic violence linger as enduring emotional and psychological scars. For children, the ripple effects include challenges in relationships, learning and self-esteem, persisting well into adulthood.
At CatholicCare Victoria, we stand alongside children like Mason, offering solace and support as they navigate the aftermath of trauma inflicted upon them at such a young age.
Recognising a voice yearning to be heard behind Mason’s silence, our dedicated worker, Sally, embarked on a journey to empower him.
Visiting Mason daily, Sally knelt to his level, giving him eye contact and speaking to him with calm reassurance. Initially met with grunts and shrugs, or Mason retreating behind his blanket, these consistent visits gradually fostered trust and understanding between Sally and Mason.
With the right support and intervention, we can empower children like Mason to transcend their trauma and rewrite their narratives
The nurturing environment Sally had created bolstered Mason’s confidence and provided a safe haven for him to express himself.
After months of steadfast support from Sally, Mason courageously returned to school.
This monumental step was a triumph for Mason, bringing him closer to reclaiming a childhood filled with opportunities for learning, play and a brighter future.
As Mason’s story illustrates, hope perseveres even in the darkest of circumstances. With the right support and intervention, we can empower children like Mason to transcend their trauma and rewrite their narratives.
CatholicCare Victoria’s annual Sunday Appeal will run in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Melbourne on the weekend of 4–5 May. Your generous donation can help give children like Mason access to counselling and compassionate support, enabling them to transform their lives.
Donate to the CatholicCare Victoria Sunday Appeal now, or support the Sunday Appeal in your parish, to help foster thriving, compassionate communities and transform children’s lives.
*While the stories are true, names and images have been changed to protect privacy.
