Shenane Hogg's Story of Healing and Resilience
Shenane Hogg, a Torres Strait and South Sea Islander woman, has become a powerful voice in her Perth community. Her story, however, is one of extraordinary resilience in the face of domestic violence and financial abuse.
In 2017, Shenane woke from a nine-month induced coma after a brutal attack by her then-partner left her fighting for her life. The perpetrator was jailed, but Shenane was left with a traumatic brain injury.
"I didn't even know if I was going to be back talking and walking properly," she says.
The abuse had been ongoing for years, starting with subtle financial control. Shenane was pressured to pay for everything, lend money to her partner's family, and even hand over her credit card.
"I felt stupid," she admits. "I had a fantastic job, but at home, I was copping ridiculous behaviour."
When she confronted her partner, the abuse escalated, turning physical and leaving her with black eyes.
"I was like a meek, mild mouse," she says. "But really, I was raging inside."
After waking from her coma, Shenane discovered the full extent of the financial abuse. Her partner had racked up $56,000 in debt on her credit cards.
"I was literally being left with like, about $48 a fortnight for about two years," she says.
It took Shenane eight years and a lot of help to recover from the physical, emotional, and financial abuse. She is now debt-free and works tirelessly to raise awareness about brain injuries and domestic violence.
Her story has inspired local MP Zaneta Mascarenhas to propose a federal parliamentary inquiry into financial abuse, which will begin hearings in July.
"I want to make sure that everybody understands what financial abuse is," says Mascarenhas. "I want them to understand the traits, so they can identify it."
The inquiry will also examine how banks can better identify and prevent financial abuse. Shenane's experience with banks was frustrating, as they often focused on collecting the debt rather than understanding her situation.
"It was really hard to get them to understand," she says. "I agree, it's my debt, but I've had a brain injury and I'm trying to get myself back together."
Anna Bligh, head of the Australian Banking Association, acknowledges the industry's responsibility in addressing financial abuse.
"Banks are in a unique position to identify financial abuse and support those experiencing it," she says. "There's always more work that can be done."
As the inquiry gets underway, Shenane hopes it will encourage more women to speak out and create new support systems that were not available to her.
"I just know that blackfellas are resilient," she says. "We get back up, and we keep going."
Shenane's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and find healing. Her courage and resilience are an inspiration to all who have experienced domestic violence and financial abuse.