Now I have a home my confidence has come back, and I can face the world.

When Devika* opens the shutter in her lounge and the air comes in and the rainbows come up, she feels secure and safe.

She moved into the Home in Place managed apartment in Auckland in 2023 after escaping violence in her married home and living in a refuge.

Devika had a really good childhood in her birthplace of India but it wasn’t without tragedy. Her father had a heart attack and died aged just 40.  

“My mum was a school Principal and gave me and my two siblings an amazing upbringing,” Devika said.

Although her family are still in India, New Zealand is home for Devika. She moved here in 2002.

“New Zealand is the best place to live. It is friendly and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Her family dynamic changed though when her child was married, and the new family member joined the family home. The last straw was when she was scolded with hot oil on her face from a pan. 

Devika engaged the Family Action Team and packed her belongings into a box. On the day the Family Action Team collected Devika, her husband tried to pull her out of the car. However, the team told him they were taking her. He had no choice. 

This wasn’t the first time Devika had sought refuge. 

“In house fighting between staff meant even home seemed safer to me, so I went back home. 

"This time it was not the case. I made the most of the refuge because I knew I was never going back to my home and my family again. I knew that my family was serious when they told me they were going to kill me. I had to protect myself.”

Devika said the refuge helped with referrals for housing. 

“Refuges are expensive at $250 per week so I was hoping for a new home as soon as possible. I felt so lost and thought nothing good was going to happen.”

“I couldn’t believe it when I moved into my new home. Several services had got furniture and other items for me. There were some beautiful handmade things to make it a home like a quilt.”

“Now I have a home my confidence has come back, and I can face the world." 

Devika feels safe, knowing she doesn’t have to move. She is enjoying the little things that are actually really big things. 

She would like to give back to the community that has helped her so much.

“I want to do some volunteer work, maybe at the Salvation Army or in the van for the homeless.”

“I love walking, listening to music. I don’t like cooking big meals for myself but love to cook for others.”

Devika makes special treats for Home in Place staff on their birthdays. 

“The Home in Place staff are amazing; very helpful and supportive. They are very good people who do a lot for the community. Alfredo and Puni are so friendly and kind; I love seeing them regularly. Bec has been my number one moral support though the whole process. She pops in to visit just to check I am OK.” 

“Thank you to Home in Place and the other services for everything you have done and continue to do for me. You literally saved my life.”

Her advice to other women facing similar situations is to act instead of waiting.

“Do not sit back, take action and move on. There are good people out there, seek their help. You have suffered enough.”

*Name changed to protect identity