Jennifer* came to seek our help a few years ago. She had a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Due to her mental health, she has been unable to hold down steady employment, has no assets or savings and has spent most of her life on a pension.

Jennifer was sexually abused by her teacher when she was 7 years old. When she was 16, she was diagnosed with HIV. She had never been sexually active, nor had she ever taken drugs or had a blood transfusion. Her mother did not have HIV. The only way that Jennifer could have contracted HIV was through her sexual assault.  Because there was not enough evidence to convict her abuser, criminal proceedings against him were unsuccessful. Jennifer discovered from other sources that her teacher was charged for abusing other students, and was discovered to be HIV positive. She was never told about this.

 Jennifer had been left with nothing, with no compensation from the State and no way to maintain a stable job because of the trauma that she suffered from her abuse.  Jennifer is representative of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Since she sought out HALC assistance, we have a lodged a claim for victim’s compensation on Jennifer’s behalf. If successful, this will help her achieve some financial security so that she has some money to rely on during the days her health problems do not allow her to work.

Your donation goes towards helping people like Jennifer. (*names and client details changed for confidentiality)

Help us to continue to help vulnerable clients, donate to our annual funding campaign below:

‘Leave No One Behind’ Campaign