Strength in Connection – Responding to Family Crisis

Jannawi Family Centre provided crucial support to a mother in crisis—a reminder of the power of community, skilled intervention, and cultural understanding in times of need.

This young mother of three—her children just 3 years, 2 years, and 10 months old—called out for help after being assaulted by members of her husband’s family, with her husband also involved. Holding her youngest child in her arms during the assault, she found herself in an overwhelming and dangerous situation.

Having been in Australia for just five years after arriving from Syria, she faced significant challenges: navigating life in a new country, limited English proficiency, and cultural pressures. Thankfully, she reached out to Fidaa, a trusted bilingual worker embedded in the community, who immediately responded with care, professionalism, and advocacy.

Here’s how Jannawi stepped in to provide support:

• Immediate Crisis Response: Fidaa attended the family home and addressed the adults involved, challenging their beliefs about violence and making it clear that such behavior was unacceptable and criminal.
• Medical Care and Safety Planning: The following day, the mother was taken to her trusted GP for medical attention despite initial concerns about judgment. She later visited Jannawi, where we supported her in creating a safety plan and explored her options for the future.
• Empowering the mother: With a clearer sense of her rights and support system, the mother negotiated boundaries with her husband, including ensuring his adult children no longer visit. She also expressed confidence that she would leave the relationship if violence occurred again.
• Mandatory Reporting and Advocacy: While respecting her choices, a mandatory report to DCJ was made, ensuring a record of concerns and support for any future incidents.

This incident highlights the value of having bilingual workers like Fidaa, who not only understand the cultural context but also possess the skills to navigate complex family violence situations. For this mother, knowing she had someone in her corner brought newfound strength and clarity, enabling her to stand up for herself and her children.

At Jannawi, we are committed to supporting families through compassionate, trauma-informed approaches, ensuring that no one must face crises like these alone.