Judy Sharp, now 61, reflects on a life once shrouded in fear, control, and unimaginable hardship within the walls of her Brisbane home.
What seemed like a life of normalcy to the outside world was, in fact, a tale of survival—a story Judy now shares to inspire others facing similar challenges.
Every Friday, her husband, Mick, would bring her a bouquet of tulips. To anyone else, it might have seemed like a thoughtful gesture.
But for Judy, the flowers carried an ominous undertone, leaving her uneasy for the rest of the week. “Thank you, they’re lovely,” she would say, forcing a smile.
Mick’s jealousy and obsession with control governed every aspect of her life. Even the smallest interactions would trigger his suspicion.
In his paranoia, he went so far as to place sticky tape on the front and back doors, inspecting them each morning to ensure she hadn’t left the house.
The birth of their two sons brought no reprieve from the constant tension. Instead, the abuse intensified, adding a new layer of emotional pain.
“He called me a bad mother, and that hurt more than anything,” Judy recalls. It was a label she couldn’t accept, especially for the sake of her children.
She often thought about how her sons deserved better, but Mick’s financial control left her with no way out. Every avenue seemed closed to her.
Then came the night in 1992 that would change everything. Judy was sitting on the sofa with her boys when Mick’s anger erupted.
After unleashing a tirade of insults, he grabbed a camera and photographed Judy with her children. What he said next chilled her to her core.
“It’s the last night you’re going to live,” he declared. The photo, he said, would serve as a memory of their mother for the boys.
Judy was paralyzed with fear, but her resolve hardened. She knew she had to escape to protect her sons and give them a chance at a better life.
The next morning, as Mick left for work, she took action. She withdrew money from their joint account and rented a house to flee with her boys.
Her efforts to find refuge were met with obstacles. Shelters turned her away because one of her sons had severe autism, leaving her with no choice but to rent.
Despite having no job or financial security, Judy pressed forward. The burden of uncertainty was heavy, but the relief of being free outweighed it.
Mick searched for them in the days that followed but was unable to track them down. Eventually, he gave up, and Judy finally felt some semblance of peace.
Years later, her perseverance has borne fruit. Today, Tim, 32, is a talented artist, while Sam, 30, is a swim coach who once trialed for the Olympics.
Judy now enjoys a fulfilling life with a career she loves and a peaceful home. Her journey stands as a testament to resilience and hope.
To inspire others, she shares her story each year on the anniversary of their escape. It is her way of letting others know they are not alone.
She has also shared the haunting photo Mick took that night. Though difficult to revisit, it serves as a powerful reminder of her strength.
Breaking her silence, Judy revealed the chilling events of that night to emphasize that domestic violence is never acceptable.
“No child should grow up in such a terrible setting,” she says, urging others to seek help and reminding them that there is always a way out.
Mick’s name is now different.
