ABSTRACT
Heeni has lived with intimate partner violence for over 25 years. Her partner, Charlie, is a gang member whose addiction to the drug P (methamphetamine) has taken her and their family on a roller coaster ride of emotional and physical violence, alternating with brief periods of congeniality when he is ‘high’. As a gang member, Charlie has shown little interest in complying with the law; he has spent two years in prison for drug offences and is anti-police. This is in sharp contrast with Heeni’s upbringing, where she was taught that the police were there to help. They have two children who are in their late teens. Their daughter is now the mother of a young child. Heeni’s story highlights the reality of intimate partner violence and its effects on victims, their families and their support people.
