Sahar wants to see change in the Family Court system. 71283 Picture: Vanessa Chircop
By Vanessa Chircop
SAHAR and her children are survivors of domestic violence.
They may now have their freedom – but Sahar is still paying the cost of their escape.
Despite being financially ruined – Sahar draws strength from her struggle and now uses her experience to fight for the rights of victims of domestic violence.
Sahar said the legal system is failing women and is nothing more than a business.
“Australia is known as the lucky country, but for many women and children living in Australia it is unlucky because they’re living with family violence,” she said.
“Our judicial system is no more than a business.
“Judges and lawyers are not educated in the language of family violence, as a result perpetrators are able to prolong the situation.”
Despite being free from her ex-husband’s physical violence, Sahar and her children are not free from his emotional torment.
Eight years on, Sahar is still in “the system” fighting the man who raped, bashed and tormented her.
“I’m a survivor advocating for change and I myself am stuck in the system – I’m stuck because the system is failing.”
The former Western Suburbs resident said despite all of this she eventually found the strength to leave her husband but sadly not all women will.
“Women are further abused by the system – they go to seek help but ultimately they’re being abused psychologically again.”
“It’s no more than a business – and like any good business the longer it takes the more money it is making.”
Sahar believes the current process of dealing with women and children suffering domestic violence is trading money for justice and she is advocating for change.
She said the process is so difficult and expensive many women feel they have no choice but to give up the fight for freedom and safety.
“I have had days in my life where I couldn’t afford to buy bread and food for my children because I was paying a lawyer to defend me.”
Eight years later Sahar is still paying but refuses to give up the fight for justice.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence call the Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service on 1800 015 188.
