Ask Jude
Jude Simpson is a survivor of family violence. She experienced abuse as a child from the age of 9 and subsequently became caught up in a cycle of domestic violence, substance abuse and crime.
For 28 years she lived in violent and abusive relationships, was a member of both the Mongrel Mob and Highway 61 gangs and had four children to four different partners.
In her thirties Jude sought help and turned her life around. She is now a living example that change is possible and that people can break the cycle of violence.
She is committed to helping others to live free of violence.
Here Jude responds to questions about family violence, sent in by real people.
My husband has been an angry person and verbally and physically abusive most of our relationship.
I know my friend and her family are trying to deal with another family member who just loses it and directs it all on to them.
I am hoping you can help me determine if I am being abused or if what I say causes the response and the reaction I get is okay.
My oldest gets scared of him. I don't know what to do.
I've been living with violence for over 10 years
In the beginning I never thought he had a drinking problem
Since I've had the kids I have had a lot of trouble with depression and self-worth issues
Our daughter has been physically abused twice by her partner.
I have been in a relationship for seven years now and for four of those years there has been a lot of verbal abuse.
I'm going through domestic violence for 22 years now with the same person.
