Sarah* came to us after leaving an abusive four-year relationship. She describes herself at that time as “broken” and “in a very dark space.”
She endured physical violence. Gaslighting. Being told she was “crazy” for asking questions.
Once she was ready and felt safe to leave, she found herself completely lost and knew she needed support. Except the cost of private counselling was completely out of reach. So, she tried to cope alone. Until she found out about Auckland Women’s Centre where she started counselling and attended our Life Skills Course on Assertiveness and Building Self Esteem.
“Through the support I received, I realised people were pushing me around. I learnt how to advocate for myself while still being respectful to others. It gave me the verbal skills I didn’t have.”
Sarah says the value of what she learned at Auckland Women’s Centre has allowed her to identify and avoid abusive people, not just in her personal life but also in the workplace. Thanks to Auckland Women’s Centre support and life skills courses, Sarah was able to leave a “toxic” workplace where she was being bullied, and found another job in a healthier environment.
In 2025-2026 we provided 621 koha counselling sessions and had 547 people attend our community education courses.
Our support of Sarah’s confidence and wellbeing – and those of many other women – is made possible because of our incredible donors.
With the election around the corner, this is also a powerful moment to stand with us — helping strengthen both our neighborhood awhi here in Tāmaki Makaurau and our nationwide voice for gender equity.
Turn your support into lasting impact today.
Make your gift before 31 March to help us support more wāhine like Sarah.
