Christmas testimonies: Belinda
When I first met Luke Geary (founder, Salvos Legal) I was too scared to be in the same room with him. I had suffered so much violence and abuse at the hands of men that I couldn’t trust anyone …
– Belinda.
Belinda White was Salvos Legal’s first client. When she met then-volunteer lawyer Luke Geary in 2005, she was a broken woman, however Salvos Legal – The Salvation Army’s free law firm for people in need - helped turn her life around.
After initially helping her with a housing matter, Luke realised that Belinda was determined to change her life. She had already started rehabilitation, counselling and domestic violence education, and Luke encouraged Belinda to undergo further psychological treatment.
After a setback in 2007, in which she was charged with reckless wounding, Belinda again sought help from Salvos Legal. She underwent further drug and alcohol rehabilitation along with more psychological treatment.
In the time it took for her case to come before court, Belinda had become a different woman. Her appearance, demeanor, attitude and even the way she spoke had changed. She had found hope and a new family through The Salvation Army.
Belinda was found guilty but the judge, recognising the enormous progress she had made, decided to give her a chance. She was placed on a 12-month bail condition to enable her to continue her various treatment programs.
Belinda is now passionate about helping other women in situations of violence and abuse. She is studying a law degree and volunteers weekly at The Salvation Army, helping make Salvos Legal clients feel welcome. She also assists a chaplain who helps people with other needs in addition to their legal issues.
Belinda’s story is one that could have ended in tragedy. Instead, it has ended in triumph.
“The Salvation Army,” she says, “has saved my life."
To meet more of the cast and read their real stories, visit the Christmas website salvos.org.au/christmas/
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