'I am living with two monsters'- Elderly woman (72) abused by husband and son

Woman's Aid have shared a real-life domestic abuse story of an elderly woman who sought out help after years of fearing for her life in her own home.

Nora's story is based on a real woman and her story but her name has been altered and other details left out to keep her identity hidden. 

"My name is Nora. I am 72 years old. Every time my husband walks into a room, I hold my breath.

"There’s a panic through my whole body. I sit frozen, waiting to see what he’ll do to me.  Sometimes it’s insults. Sometimes it’s something a bit more dangerous. Always it’s about his power, his control.

Nora and her husband were married for over 51 years and she said she never got used to the abuse.

"You never get used to terror. I know, it’s hard to believe an older woman like me would be in this situation. But domestic violence knows no boundaries.

"Lately I am having panic attacks, flashbacks of some of the worst times. I remember hiding in the bathroom for hours, just falling apart. My tears make him even angrier," she said.

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At one point, Nora's 48-year-old son moved back home. She had hoped for protection from her abuser.

"It turns out he takes after his father. I am living with two monsters. I try to stay calm in the moment because I know it’s my only defence. But when they’re asleep, that’s when I break in two. The tears and regrets come flooding in.

"I have felt suffocated. Trapped. Completely alone in the world.  Most times I thought this will never end. There’s no escape. Luckily I can finally see some light. A way out.

"A few months ago I secretly rang Women’s Aid and spoke to a support worker. She offered me so much reassurance. She didn’t pressure me, she just let me speak.

Nora said she is now moving slowly. She is afraid of what will happen if her husband and son find out she rang Woman's Aid.

"But it was a first step and now I don’t feel so alone anymore. They’re helping me with a safety plan. My next steps will be big ones. But I want to take them. At 72, I’m finally ready".

Woman's Aid said that these stories are based on real accounts as told to the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline and One-to-One Support Services. Specific details and circumstances have been changed in the interests of protecting identity and to preserve the confidential nature of Women’s Aid Services.

If you or anyone you are experiencing domestic abuse please contact Woman's Aid: 1800 341 900