Local DV Services “Not Good Enough” Broken Ballerina Inc Pushes For Change In 2025

By Hannah McNamara

The holiday season, often romanticised as a time of joy and togetherness, can place immense strain on families already facing challenges. Financial stressors, such as the pressure to buy gifts or host gatherings, can escalate tensions, while increased consumption of alcohol and drugs may act as a catalyst for abusive behaviours. Compounded by complex family dynamics, these elements create an unpredictable environment where incidents of domestic violence tend to surge.

Jules Thompson, Founder of Broken Ballerina Inc and a domestic violence survivor herself, said, "Alcohol and drug use, financial pressures, and family dynamics definitely fuel domestic violence during the holiday periods." 

In the lead up to the New Year, Broken Ballerina Inc responded to three urgent calls for help in less than a week, providing escape bags to victims and their families fleeing domestic violence - in hopes of being the change that this region so desperately needs.

The escape bags contain a $500 voucher for personal use, allowing survivors to purchase groceries, essential items for their children, fuel, and even a few nights’ accommodation if needed. The bags also include a range of personal self-care items such as deodorant, menstrual products, toothbrushes and soap, as well as a new mobile sim card, a broken ballerina cap and a tote bag as a symbol of hope.

During the holiday period, they received feedback from multiple women in the community who reported being unjustly denied assistance or left without help by the very organisations they were directed to for support.

In one particular case, a woman attempting to flee had contacted a recommended DV service, however, she was refused help because “It wasn’t physical”.

Domestic violence is not merely just physical abuse, but can be presented in many forms, such as coercive control, gaslighting, manipulation, emotional and verbal abuse - just to name a few.

Founder of Broken Ballerina Inc, Jules Thompson expressed her fury and said, “It’s just not good enough.

“Once again, we have received a call… from a woman fleeing DV.

“She was very distressed because DV Connect refused to help her escape, just because it’s not physical.

“We’re filling the gaps where other heavily funded organisations aren’t fulfilling.

"We’re not funded by the government, yet we’re doing what these funded organisations refuse to do."

Last year, in 2024, Broken Ballerina Inc assisted 224 men, women and children fleeing domestic violence, and three alone in less than a week just recently - during the New Year period.

“There are literally no services available in Mackay over the Christmas and New Year period but BBI,” Jules added.

“We have been able to assist this woman and others promptly, but dread to think how many victims are stuck right now, because they can’t get help.

“One woman in Australia is being murdered every four days…and women are dying because of these gaps in support," Jules emphasised.

Looking ahead, Jules has a clear vision for change and accountability in addressing these issues. She calls for systemic reform, particularly in the judicial system and said, "I want to see the judicial system uphold the law and stop giving perpetrators slaps on the wrist and endless chances to breach their orders."

Broken Ballerina Inc envisions a future where the law provides tangible protection for victims, ensuring that perpetrators face meaningful consequences for their actions, ultimately reducing the cycle of violence.

“Our escape bags are taking some pressure off our clients and police, when they are refused help by other funded services,” Jules said.

“Changing lives and saving lives is what we do and we look forward to what we can do in 2025.”

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Broken Ballerina Inc assisted 224 men, women and children in 2024, and are advocating for change to support victims in the region promptly. Photo source: Broken Ballerina Inc (Facebook)

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