Content Note: We will be discussing childhood trauma, sexual assault and family violence during this conversation.
If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode please contact:
Jacqueline Ellwood is an artist and writer in Melbourne. Her intricate two-dimensional paper art has a focus on encouraging discussion about family violence, sexual assault and mental illness. There’s a personal reason for this focus – Jacqueline is herself a survivor of family violence as a child, in a marriage and sexual assault at the age 19.
Jacqueline spent years in what she describes as an “endless treadmill” of highs and lows, risky behaviour and searching for answers. Then in her early 40s – Jacqueline was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a treatable mental illness.
Jacqueline has written an extraordinary book called The Late Bloomer and her Two Polar Bears: a personal story of living with bipolar through sexual and domestic violence.
In this episode Jacqueline mentions services in Victoria that helped her when she was leaving her marriage. Since this time, access to family violence services has changed.
If you are experiencing family violence and live in Victoria go to Orange Door to find a service near you. There's also information on statewide, after-hours services.
Women's Health East (WHE) is the women’s health promotion agency for the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR) of Melbourne.
ermha365 provides support for people with complex mental health and disability in Victoria and the Northern Territory.
ermha365 CEO Karenza Louis-Smith hosts this episode.
Produced and co-hosted by Emily Webb Advocacy and External Communications Advisor.
ermha365 acknowledges that our work in the community takes place on the Traditional Lands of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and therefore respectfully recognise their Elders, past and present, and the ongoing Custodianship of the Land and Water by all Members of these Communities.