Broken to Brilliant - Terror to triumph: rebuilding your life after domestic violence - stories of strength and success

The stories in Terror to Triumph are honest, deeply personal and gut-wrenching. They are stories of absolute courage, heartfelt determination and indomitable spirit. The writers have overcome so much to reclaim their freedom and their lives. All of them have developed incredible strategies for survival and healing that they share with the reader. I salute you all and consider it a privilege and an honour to have joined you in the workshop weekend as you unpacked your stories and your incredible bravery. This book is triumphant, and a must read!

Fiona Ware, womens advocate, facilitator and childrens author

Powerful, raw, unrestricted, brilliant. An incredible insight into the daily fight for survival happening behind closed doors Australia-wide. This book is not just for people wishing to find the strength to leave a violent relationship or heal emotional scars from past relationships. This book is for every mother, father, son, daughter, best friend or colleague of someone who has experienced violence.

Paul Ferry, Executive Director, Safe Haven Community

The individuals who penned their stories in this book, of what would have been an immensely painful chapter of their lives, are truly selfless. Through their words, they provide hope to those who need it most those who may be unsure of how to start the rebuilding journey. It opens the door to the truth that, after the darkness, your inner light will shine again.

Annette Westermann, 2017 Westpac Foundation Ambassador

A truly inspirational read although impossible to get through one story without tears. These survivors are very courageous, and we thank them for sharing their stories with us.

The Community Underwriting Team

Writing my story has changed my life. It has taken the perpetual loop of anxiety-streamed flashbacks and ordered it with dignity, flow and finally release. It the abuse story has lost its grip on my life story. A chapter, yes, but not the final one. Heres to the one person that may read my story and gather hope to break free from Domestic Terror. Heres to all the other survivors stories, and to the ones who need hope. May our lives continue to shine on triumphantly.

Author of Terror to Triumph Chapter 12: To the One Who Loved and Hurt Me

Some say bravery is going to war, some say its facing your fears sometimes, its just having the courage to choose to survive. These stories are stories of survival, of bravery, and have touched my heart and soul.

Tegan Philpott, Mornings Presenter, ABC Mackay

This is not just another book.

It is domestic terror victims voices heard, survivors stories of strength and success shared.

May each word you read allow the brave, resilient, brilliant you to emerge.

May each page you turn guide you to a new chapter in your life.

Founding the charity Broken to Brilliant and releasing stories of rebuilding life after domestic violence has been a desire since living through domestic violence. Rebuilding my life after domestic violence was not easy. Through the charitys work and with the dedicated directors, it is an honour to be able to help others to navigate their next chapter. We want survivors to feel worthy, valued, cared for, not alone and supported in their journey. To be their own brave, resilient and brilliant self. May each page you turn guide you to a new chapter in your life.

Kate, Founding Director, Broken to Brilliant

I am honoured to be one of the founding directors of the charity Broken to Brilliant. It means more to me than assisting a charity. It is hope, it is courage, it is education, support, caring and inspiration all wrapped together in love. Love for the brave survivors who stand up to make a difference, to help break the cycle of domestic violence and mentor fellow survivors to create a new chapter in their lives. Any change this charity can make could mean a world of difference in someones future, and of this I am proud. I will continue to work for those changes.

Andrea, Founding Director, Broken to Brilliant

I am honoured to be a director for the charity Broken to Brilliant. Working with dedicated and truly driven founding directors who endlessly prove that survivors of domestic violence can rebuild their lives, is nothing but inspirational. Our tireless efforts to raise funds, apply for grants, hold workshops and publish the stories of survivors while building the charitys governance structure has been at times overwhelming, yet fulfilling. I believe that my contribution will provide Broken to Brilliant with a governance structure to grow and expand our incredible achievements.