Light of My Life: Lutfiye’s Story

Domestic violence is a prevalent issue in our society, with 1 in 5 Australian adults having experienced physical or sexual family and domestic abuse (AIHW, 2025). Yet, it is a stigmatised topic and many victim-survivors struggle to feel heard or receive the support they need.

We believe there is no better way to evoke empathy and humanise the crisis of family violence than by sharing stories and giving a voice to survivors like Lutfiye. We hope this film will destigmatise the topic of family violence and spark important conversations around what systematic, political and cultural changes need to be made to stop valuable lives being lost to abuse.

Our vision for ‘Lutfiye’s Story’ is to transform the way society understands and responds to family violence by evoking empathy for both the personal and systemic struggles that survivors endure long after the abuse ends. Through Lutfiye’s journey, the film seeks to amplify the voices of survivors, break down cultural stigma, and challenge the institutional barriers that prevent justice and healing. Beyond raising awareness, we aim to spark important conversations around policy reform and collective action for improved prevention and intervention for domestic violence. Moreover, by portraying Lutfiye as a multilayered character who reclaims her identity beyond victimhood, we aim to empower survivors, offer hope and challenge limiting stereotypes around those who experienced family violence.

Our impact goals include:
– Champion Lutfiye’s story of lived experience and provide a platform for her voice to reach more audiences.
– Destigmatize the topic of family violence and replace the shame and critique often faced by victim-survivors with a sense of empowerment and hope.
– Spark conversations around the lack of empathy and bureaucratic barriers faced by survivors trying to navigate police, justice and DV support systems.
– Encourage improved prevention and intervention measures rather than focusing only on harsher penalties.
– Encourage schools and workplaces, particularly in regional communities, to promote cultures of safety and respect for women and children.

I have a direct and personal connection with Lutfiye, our key subject with lived experience of family violence. Lutfiye has been involved from the onset of the film’s development, engaging in regular conversations to ensure our team takes a sensitive and respectful approach to the story.
Through Lutfiye, we also have contacts with Victorian domestic violence support organisations, Victims of Crime Commissioners and members of the police – whom we intend to consult in the making and distribution of the film.

Our film encourages audiences to connect and empathise with domestic violence survivors, support organisations and engage in conversations that ensure the experiences of victim-survivors are heard and validated. We encourage ongoing dialogue on how Australian systems can be improved so that they don’t isolate or burden survivors when they seek financial, housing or justice support.
Through these actions, viewers can take responsibility in encouraging respectful relationships and reducing violence in our communities.