As a child Josie* was subjected to physical and mental abuse from her mother – this trauma went on to play a significant part in her physical and mental health.
After fleeing home, Josie was sleeping rough for months. Living in such dangerous and vulnerable circumstances led her to becoming victim to sexual abuse and rape.
Josie was referred to TCF from a mental health unit in Western NSW. She was detoxing from severe drug dependency when she arrived at the Farm. Prior to that, she was getting heroin mailed to her daily and was ‘using’ whenever she could.
Participation in individual and group counselling is a requirement for all the students at TCF. It was through these activities that she began to recognise how the abuse she had suffered was shaping her life, but she also learnt how to take back control.
Josie worked on her self-worth and confidence by finding out what made her strong and happy.
She participated in TCF outdoor activities including landscaping, gardening and getting her hands dirty working in the orchard and vegetable garden.
Josie is now living in safe accommodation in the mountains and working in the hospitality industry. She recently adopted a rescue dog and is enjoying being responsible for him as well as looking after her own welfare.
*Name changed to protect privacy; stock image used.
