This is a story of Michell, a 41-year-old woman who endured years of server violence at the hands of her husband — a cycle of abuse that almost claimed her life. With support from Femili PNG, along with other service providers such as the Family Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU), Family Support Centre (FSC), and the courts, Michell began her journey out of what she called a prison camp and onto the road to recovery, healing, and freedom.
Her story
After losing her mother, Michell believed the man she loved would provide comfort and support—something she desperately needed. Instead, her hopes turned bitter. She described the abusive environment as feeling like a “prison camp”.
“At one point, I felt hopeless and decided to use the same power cord used against me to commit suicide. I thought this was the only option to end all the pain I suffered,” says Michell.
Michell recounted her painful experience.
I moved in with Samuel* three months after meeting him, longing for emotional support after my mother’s death. I thought he would be my source of comfort. Instead, my life changed from companionship to control. He made unfounded accusations, physically assaulted me, and even harassed me at work. I lost my voice, my courage, and eventually my job.
Despite the pain, Michell hoped he would change. But the cycle of violence only intensified. She faced constant threats, financial control, and false accusations. Coming from a Christian background, she even gave up her offerings under pressure.
Months passed, and the abuse escalated. Michell felt trapped and hopeless. At her lowest point, she contemplated ending her life. She thought this was the only way to stop the pain. “This is it; I am dying.” She recalls.
Her turning point came when she escaped and sought help from the Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) where she received medical care and was referred to Femili PNG for further support. Today, Michell is rebuilding her life and shares her story to encourage others to seek help and break free from violence.
Femili PNG’s intervention
Michell’s case highlights the devastating impact of prolonged physical and psychological abuse, ongoing threats to her safety, and her urgent need for legal protection and justice to break free from this cycle of violence.
In November 2024, Femili PNG intervened to provide critical support. Michell was assisted with safe accommodation, essential items such as clothing and food, medical care, and legal assistance through the police. An interim protection order was issued the following month, and by March 2025, a permanent protection order was successfully served to the perpetrator. Femili PNG acknowledges the vital collaboration of the police, courts, Family Support Center, and family health services in delivering these outcomes.
Michell has lost everything — her job, her income, and connection to family in her home province. Recognising this, Femili PNG provided her with safe accommodation and a sewing kit to make meri blouses, enabling her to earn an income while awaiting progress of her case. By June 2025, Michell proudly reported earning K300 from sewing and sales
At Michell’s request, Femili PNG case officers conducted a successful family tracing exercise, reconnecting her with her immediate family and preparing for her safe return home. This client-centered approach reflects Femili PNG’s commitment to restoring dignity and hope for survivors.
Michell expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Femili PNG and partner service providers for saving her life and urged other survivors to seek help:
“If you are someone experiencing violence behind closed doors and living in fears like me, come out and seek help—we can protect more women. No matter how bad it is, there is a way. I have experienced extreme sexual violence nearly ended my life, but I received support and help, and you can too. Thank you, Femili PNG and my case officer, for your incredible support. From feeling hopeless to seeing hope and healing is a real change in my life. Thank you.”
Femili PNG gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership, whose backing makes it possible to help survivors like Michell escape violence and embrace life anew—with strength, dignity, and hope.
*Survivor’s name has been changed to protect her identity and privacy. Not her real name.
