By BRIDGET SCOTT
Carla Gagliardi was faced with no home or job after her former fiance stripped her and her son of not only their happiness but also their home and “sanctuary.”
Ms Gagliardi had just moved houses, far away from all of her family and friends, when her life turned upside down and she found herself without a home or a job.
Her former partner beat her so violently that she had months of recovery ahead in hospital and her young son was forced to call triple zero the night his mum was beaten.
He will be the recipient of a bravery award later this year for his actions on that night.
The victim of domestic violence has praised the work of Windermere and described it as a “shining light” during a time that could have easily become her “worst nightmare”.
“We were, basically, homeless,” she said.
“A place we called home where we lived together was violated with extreme violence and horror.”
For Ms Gagliardi and her son, their basic rights were stripped in one clean, fell swoop.
“Imagine everything that you own and pay for is taken away – the job you have is gone – and not taken away over a small period of time,” she said.
Ms Gagliardi said going back to the place where it all happened was not an option because it was “tainted with horror” and “too distressful to return to.”
She said she “cannot thank Windermere enough” for its services in the months following her ordeal and praised its work.
“It was pure heroism,” she said.
“I cannot thank or praise them enough.”
Windermere was able to offer Ms Gagliardi a “safe house” where she could stay while she got back on her feet.
“Windermere provided us with a furnished house, temporary but stable enough to give me time,” she said.
The house was fully equipped with utilities such as a fridge, couch, washing machine and what Ms Gagliardi described as “the big one” – a bed.
“Without Windermere I honestly do not know what could have become of my son and I,” she said.
“They ensured what could have been an absolute nightmare was turned into a positive way forward.”
