ROADMAP TO RECOVERY

Our Journey and Mission

Broken to Brilliant was established by domestic violence survivors with a passionate vision to address the significant gaps in services focused on the long-term recovery of those impacted by domestic violence. Our journey commenced with the authoring of our inaugural book in 2014, which led to the official launch of both the book, "Broken to Brilliant," and our charitable organisation in 2016.

Informed by our personal lived experiences and invaluable feedback from fellow survivors, we recognised a pressing need for comprehensive programs that extend beyond immediate safety measures. We aim to empower survivors to forge a new, self-determined chapter in their lives. This understanding preceded the insights gained from government reports and research literature, further underscoring the urgency and importance of our mission.

Addressing the Gaps

The 2016 Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence highlighted a significant shortfall in existing responses to family violence, particularly in emphasizing recovery and restoration for victims (Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence, 2016, p 29). As survivors who have personally experienced these service gaps, we deeply resonate with this finding. It drives our commitment to building a comprehensive support system tailored to the unique needs of survivors. We aim to provide a nurturing environment where victims can recover and thrive at their own pace, empowering them to rebuild their lives and envision a brighter future.

Our Approach

Broken to Brilliant is committed to long-term recovery, offering trauma-informed, strengths-based programs that empower survivors to rebuild their lives. We harness the power of 'lived experience' through survivor-led mentorship, recognizing that most survivors benefit immensely from navigating their rebuilding journey with peer support.

Our programs aim to:

Enhance self-confidence and decision-making abilities
Increase self-esteem and coping strategies
Build emotional, physical, psychosocial, and spiritual resilience

At Broken to Brilliant, we offer a diverse range of recovery programs tailored to meet the unique needs of domestic violence survivors. Whether you prefer the flexibility of online sessions or the personal connection of in-person gatherings, we have options to suit your preferences.

Our 'Roadmap to Recovery' program is grounded in a holistic approach that combines lived experience with evidence-based psychological healing therapies. These therapies encompass art therapy, equine therapy, narrative therapy, solutions-based therapy, experience-based therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Each program is led by fellow survivors who understand the intricacies of the healing journey, providing a safe and empathetic environment for participants.

We believe in empowering survivors to take control of their recovery journey by allowing them to choose the programs that resonate most with their needs—no referrals are required. To ensure accessibility, our programs are generously funded to significantly reduce costs for participants. While we encourage attendees to contribute financially to the program, as this fosters a sense of investment and commitment, we understand that financial circumstances can be a barrier for some. Therefore, we offer flexible payment plans and support for those experiencing hardship, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to vital support services.

Our Programs

Cultivating Brilliance Survivor Series:

Expert-led online sessions offering Support, Hope, Assistance, Practical tools, and Empowerment (SHAPE) to survivors. Sessions are held during the 16 Days of Activism which runs from November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10th, Human Rights Day. Find out more

DV-ART (Domestic Violence Amazing Resilient Thrivers):

A therapeutic art program providing survivors with a voice through creative expression. Read blogs about DV-ART

Financial Superwomen:

Free workshops and webinars led by volunteer finance professionals, sharing essential financial literacy skills to empower survivors in managing their finances. Find out more and book to attend

HEART Program (Healing Equine Art Resilience Therapy):

Equine and Art Therapy sessions are designed to promote safety, connection, and healing in a natural bush setting. Book into a session

Legal Laureates:

Free Legal Literacy workshops to improve survivors' understanding of the legal system and their rights. Book into a session

RESTORE Program:

A 6-week program combining equine and art therapy to delve into self-regulation, boundaries, and safety strategies.Book into this program

Rise 2 Rebuild:

Supporting mothers in their post-trauma journey through trauma-informed parenting. Book into this program

Steps to Rebuild Your Life:

Practical guidance on managing finances, fitness, nutrition, and future planning. Find out more and join the online course

Support Walks:

Outdoor walking group that focuses on gratitude, social connections, and promoting respectful relationships. Join our support walks

Garden Therapy Program:

Nature-based therapy sessions to promote mindfulness, grounding, and self-regulation.

Blogging Self-Care:

An online 6-month program to build self-care skills through blogging and sharing experiences. Read our self-care blogs

Signature Author Program:

A 16-month narrative therapy program for survivors to share their stories of strength and rebuilding and collectively releasing a book. Find out more about our books

Survivor to Thriver Mentoring Program:

A peer mentoring program facilitating the transition from post-abuse survival to thriving. Find out more

Join Us on the Journey

We invite you to explore our comprehensive range of programs on the Broken to Brilliant – What’s On page and follow our Facebook page for updates. Together, we can pave a transformative path towards recovery, healing, and rebuilding lives after abuse.