Woman on how she created anti-domestic violence charity

A woman who was left traumatised and sickened by women and children sex trafficking overseas has started her own domestic violence charity in Australia.

Melissa Histon, a photographer and women’s rights activist, returned from a work trip to Nepal feeling powerless after witnessing the ‘extreme atrocities’ taking place in the perverted world of human trafficking. 

The Newcastle-based humanitarian followed the age-old mantra ‘charity begins at home’ by launching an anti-domestic violence foundation to support victims in Australia. 

‘I came back to Australia after the trip feeling helpless, disillusioned and sad – the sex trafficking of women and children is not unique to Nepal. It happens in many countries, including my own,’ Melissa told FEMAIL. 

The Newcastle-based humanitarian (pictured left with White Ribbon Ambassador, Jon Chin) followed the age-old mantra ‘charity begins at home’ by launching an anti-domestic violence foundation to support victims in Australia.

‘While this is an extreme atrocity, every day in the workplace, the schoolyard, on social media, everywhere, people can be incredibly judgmental and cruel. Women can be oppressed by other women, even by themselves.’ 

Melissa had travelled to south Asia to to do the still photography for a 3 Angels Nepal documentary and was deeply saddened by the women and children who had been rescued or those who remained in slavery. 

Speaking in a new book titled Inspired Kindness, Melissa said she knew she couldn’t return to her previous life ‘reading magazines or watching So You Think You Can Dance’ and simply forget about the cruelty she had seen.

Melissa  (pictured second from left) then resolved she would do her part and started an online ‘sisterhood’ called The Sista Code, and then a charitable arm, named Got Your Back Sista, to raise support and funds for women in crisis and who have escaped domestic violence

Melissa then resolved to do her part and started an online ‘sisterhood’ called The Sista Code, and then a charitable arm, named Got Your Back Sista, to raise support and funds for women in crisis and those who have escaped domestic violence.

It is a cause she is particularly passionate about because of the countless women she has witnessed fall victim to a seemingly inescapable cycle of abuse. 

And the disturbing facts only speak for themselves.

Figures show that on average one woman is killed by a partner or former partner every week in Australia.

‘I know so many people who have suffered domestic and family abuse and I see first-hand the terrible scars it leaves behind: both emotional and physical,’ Melissa said.

Speaking in a new book titled Inspired Kindness , Melissa said she knew she couldn’t return to her previous life ‘reading magazines or watching So You Think You Can Dance’ and simply forget about the cruelty she had seen

The aim of Got Your Back Sista, Melissa explains, is to support, rehouse and mentor women and children who have been affected by domestic violence

‘It both saddens and angers me that people can be so cruel to eachother. Domestic violence is a violation of another person’s human rights.

We all have a right to live freely: free from torture, cruelty, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.’ 

The aim of Got Your Back Sista, Melissa explains, is to support, rehouse and mentor women and children who have been affected by domestic violence.

But the road to achieving the goal of zero domestic abuse in Australia is long and arduous.

There are countless motivating factors behind systematic violence occurring behind closed doors, and because there is no single cause Melissa said it can be even harder to prevent.

‘There are a number of risk factors associated with perpetrators and victims of domestic violence. For example, perpetrator’s alcohol and drug use and victims’ experience of child abuse, pregnancy and separation may all increase the risk,’ she said.

There are countless motivating factors behind systematic violence occurring behind closed doors, and because there is no single cause Melissa said it can be even harder to prevent

‘There are a number of risk factors associated with perpetrators and victims of domestic violence. For example, perpetrator’s alcohol and drug use and victims’ experience of child abuse, pregnancy and separation may all increase the risk,’ she said

‘Financial stress, personal stress and lack of social support are also strong connections to violence against women.’

Melissa helps these women and children by providing furniture and household items to women setting up a new home, offering workshops and mentoring to help victims achieve personal goals and self defense classes. 

Two of the charity’s most recent projects included converting an old property into a 10-bedroom crisis home in the Newcastle area and setting up a new house in the Hunter Valley Region.

Got Your Back Sista’s overarching message is ‘I say NO to domestic violence’ and Melissa and her team publicly campaign and set up projects to spread awareness and support. 

She said empowering women with the tools to escape and recover from an abusive relationship is a rewarding experience.

‘Most of the women that we meet at Got Your Back Sista have moved out of the violent home or refuge and are trying to rebuild their lives again. A large portion of women now live with depression and anxiety, many with PTSD due to living in a state of hypervigilance for so long, and many are living below the poverty line,’ Melissa added.

‘[The most rewarding thing is] seeing the women we help achieving things they never thought they could do because they have been so highly controlled by their abusers. 

The greatest thing that gives me joy is seeing our ladies feeling empowered and happy – when women see the beauty and strength in themselves.’ 

White Ribbon Day will take place this year on November 25. 

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, you can call 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732 or the Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63.