Stories

As one of Ruah’s first domestic violence advocates Sheree is committed to using her experience to educate younger generations about healthy relationships and to empower other women and men to get out and build a better life. You see, Sheree knows the cycle of domestic violence all too well. She witnessed her mother’s abuse for many years from when she was just seven-years of age. At 16, she found her ‘soulmate’ and without being aware of it at the time, entered her own abusive relationship.

As a successful community health advocate, broadcaster and public speaker, people could be forgiven for thinking Katherine Houareau has lived a charmed life. But after surviving five suicide attempts, years of sexual and emotional abuse and attempted murder at the hands of her former husband, the vivacious mother of two knows exactly how tough life can be. “Good management of bad experiences is what the journey to recovery is all about and that has to start inside ourselves.” Now, at aged 49, Kat has found her happy place. She is one of Ruah’s first domestic violence advocates and is making her mark as a champion for mental health and suicide prevention.

Housework and soap are the unlikely highlights in Azelene Williams’ life right now – and it has nothing to do with protecting her family from coronavirus.