39| Annabelle ACRA Best Sport Presenter, top rated radio program, made redundant on Maternity leave...

*TW* DV themes and coercive control are discussed in this episode* Welcome Annabelle (AB) award wining radio host, sport enthusiast and charity champion! This episode covers so many topics! AB is the first Aussie Female to win the ACRA Best Sports Presenter and Top rated radio program in one week, to then receive the phone call her show was being cut and was made redundant 2 months into maternity leave with her first child Dolly. Clare and AB discuss the pros of paternity leave, and the complexities of navigating returning to work as a Mum. AB then had to move for her new job, going back to work at 5 months postpartum, juggling pumping whilst interviewing on her radio show. AB loves her job and states working in live sport is a carrier highlight; she bleeds maroon and is a massive footy fan. AB has worked with the red's, broncos, dolphins, titans, and sadly had to let her daughter support south Sydney. For AB "motherhood has made everything better in life" and with the support of her husband she is able to continue her amazing charity work and support Women’s placement in the sporting commentary. Clare asks AB how she navigates trolls and negativity; being in the public eye and having a voice you are always at risk. AB shares her wisdom, and often comes to a place of peace: but you cannot please them all. AB kindly shares her fertility journey, including shedding light on the inequities of IVF and fertility services for regional and remote women, with couples having to wait months just to start cycles. AB also very bravely discusses a letter she wrote to her parents 15yrs after they saved her from a DV relationship. She opens up on being contacted by 4 other women who have dated this same man after her, and have experienced violence from him. In Australia it is against the law for women to inform another that their partner is violent or has a history of DV themes. The UK have Clare's Law (also known at the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – DVDS) which is named after Clare Wood, who tragically lost her life to domestic violence. The law provides individuals with the right to access vital police information about a partner's history of abuse.  AB has petitioned to get this law passed in Australia and wants everyone to know it is never too early or too late to get out of an unsafe relationship. Another heightened topic (as AB's Husband is returning to work soon) AB and Clare discuss the complexities and emotions felt by all parents who have to place their children in care. This is such a super charged topic, it’s hard to discuss in such a short space. Honestly the themes were so varied in this episode, we feel there is something for everyone this week, enjoy! Love Patty's