Hunter domestic violence survivor becomes advocate after abuse

Mia, right, with Marcia Chapman, said both her abusers worked in caring roles. "Perpetrators can be anyone, they don't have a big hat on their head that says 'Look at me, I could be a perpetrator'." Picture by Marina Neil

THE final straw for Mia after years of abuse came when her six-year-old turned to her with a sobering suggestion.

"He said to me, 'Mummy I think it's time you, me and [my sister] find a new place. Dad's always angry at you and you're always crying and I think it would be for the best'," said Mia, who also grew up in an abusive household."It floored me because I could see in him what I was as a child, wishing for Christmas for my parents to get divorced.