Kristie gained support and healing at Luma, now she shares her story of strength to uplift others.
After growing up in multi-generational violence and addiction, 36-year-old Kristie didn’t question why she ended up in a domestic violence relationship – she figured it was her destiny.
For Kristie, it wasn’t just one moment that sparked her determination to break the generational cycle of abuse, it was many moments including a dire warning from a police officer, who came to her aid after a particularly violent incident where she almost lost her life.
“Something struck a chord with me, and I made a vow to myself and to my children that the cycle of abuse would end with me,” she said.
“I want other women who may be experiencing violence to know that we are enough, and we have the inner strength necessary to create a new legacy for ourselves and our children.”
The survivor and brave mother of four, who has been supported by Luma, painted a pair of her sneakers red as a symbol of hope for other women who have walked in her shoes.
The brightly coloured runners and a personal note from Kristie is a part of this year’s Los Zapatos Rojos (The Red Shoes) installation which is being held in Albany as part of the 16 Days in WA Campaign against gender violence.
In keeping with the ethos of the Los Zapatos concept created by Mexican artist, Elina Chauvet in 2009, hundreds of donated red women’s shoes (original and painted) are being laid out the front of the Museum of the Great Southern.
Southern Aboriginal Corporation CEO Asha Bhat, who is hosting this year’s replication in Albany, says that having Kristie’s shoes and voice as part of this year’s event is humbling.
“We need more honest conversations about what has become a national tragedy. We are honoured that after everything courageous survivors have been through, they are brave to share their stories with us to raise awareness that family and domestic violence can happen to anyone,” she said.
Kristie hopes her donation to the Red Shoes legacy collection will build awareness and encourage conversations about family and domestic violence.
“My children and I openly discuss why abuse is not okay. We talk about what we have experienced together, and that they have a voice too,” she said.
“It’s sad that children from violent homes dream of one that is simply safe and happy. I think as survivors we should dare to dream bigger than that. We deserve better.”
Luma has hundreds of women, just like Kristie, who are at the beginning of their journey of leaving domestic violence behind. Our project, HER Board, allows anyone to sponsor a woman to leave domestic violence behind. Find out more at herboard.org.au.
Albany’s Red Shoes installation is still showing for another few days, discover more here.
