The presentation will approach the issue of men's violence with unwavering determination and honesty. It will explore the policy settings that tolerate women enduring violence and hardship and an acceptance of failing and complex systems. These settings directly affect women and children having a secure and safe place to live, having enough resources to provide the basics and the overlooked need to undertake intensive parenting. As Rosie Batty said, 'recovery is protection', which had particular relevance for mothers.

The unvarnished truth comes from Terese Edwards, whose role involves speaking with women. Some desperately seek safety, others have found it. However, for some women, safety remains agonisingly elusive. The presentation will provide a close-up encounter of the sustained stigma of a woman with care responsibilities, how being a protective mother located some women as an 'unfriendly person' in Australian law, and the trust implications for such outcomes. The upcoming presentation may not offer a miraculous solution, but it will resonate with attendees as it challenges and sets out some viable solutions within our grasp. Remember, no matter how seemingly insignificant, each small step paves the way to safety.