BETH* sees herself and the world differently since joining Got Your Back Sista.
She joined the charity - which helps women and children thrive and live independently after domestic violence - more than a year ago.
"There's nothing I can do right [according to my former partner]," Beth said.
"I'm just wrong. In our whole relationship, I'm wrong, everything I do is wrong. When I was with him I believed that.
"But I came to this group and I'm not wrong. I do have a say. I'm respected... I'm getting stronger. I saw him the other day and he was just picking on me and I said to him, 'You can't talk to me like that'."
GYBS provides women and children with household items and furniture as well as programs centred on self defence; empowerment and building skills for employment.
GYBS supporters and abuse survivors have been training for the organisation's I Run For Her event, which was postponed from August 22 and will be held on October 24.
It asks participants to seek sponsorship to walk or run a distance and route of their choosing.
They can walk or run solo or with others - subject to current public health orders - and either for themselves or others affected by domestic abuse, past or present.
Anyone who raises more than $200 will receive a GYBS running shirt.
GYBS volunteer and personal trainer Alicia Breasley held a weekly fun and fitness session before lockdown for the group of supporters and survivors.
"We started off in the first couple of weeks doing strength exercises and some cardio in preparation, because some of the girls' fitness - when you're in some of the situations they've been in, it's not a high priority - so we started fairly gently," Ms Breasley said.
"I'm just so proud of them, it's amazing. It's about looking at improving their fitness and with that releasing those endorphins and giving them the confidence that they can go out, you don't have to join a gym, you can exercise in the park, just go for a walk and it will make you feel better."
The participants have used a Facebook group over the past two months to stay connected and motivated to move.
They are hoping to have a group training session next week before the event.
Beth said she had relished meeting with new friends, improving her fitness and getting out of the house.
"If it wasn't for this group, I'd be at home, probably in bed."
She said she was running for herself and other women, as well as to help raise awareness that domestic violence is not just physical abuse.
"It's a shame we can't say our names, but this is how much an effect [abuse] has on us," she said.
"I hate this, I'm ashamed I can't say my name and just call him out, but I can't because of my safety.
"We've got to think about safety, in terms of having another relationship, for our children, just to go outside. I live in fear.
"Coming to this group, I'm getting braver every day. I'm still here. I don't know what my life would have looked like if I didn't come here...I'm running for myself, but I'm also running for others who don't have their voice yet.
"My journey has just begun - see me in five years."
Emma* said she had stayed active during lockdown by exercising with her children.
She said her former partner had isolated her from friends and continued to harass her, but GYBS had given her a new supportive circle, employment skills and the strength to move forward in a new direction.
"Especially when you go through a lot of pain, it's good to come and be with other people - you feel at home," she said.
"With a group you feel comfortable, like you're being supported.
"I have to stand strong for my kids, to make life better. I have to show happiness in my face to my kids.
"I run for everyone, not just for myself, because there's a lot of people out there going through what I'm going through."
* Not their real names
Details: mycause.com.au/events/irunforher
Help: 1800 RESPECT
