Lani's Story

LANI'S STORY is a moving and intimate portrait of a young Aboriginal woman's journey from victim to victor, moving from a broken and violent relationship to discovering the redemptive power of love. LANI'S STORY also explores the impact of inter-generational violence within a family and community and how the courage of one person can transform the lives of others.

Lani Brennan, a young woman of Aboriginal and Maori descent, was raised in an urban Aboriginal community in Sydney. Her childhood home was filled with love, but also with alcoholism and violence. By 13, she was in a cycle of drug and alcohol abuse herself. She ended up in a relationship with a young Aboriginal man from her community and soon became trapped in a situation she almost didn't survive. Subjected to extreme physical and sexual violence at the hands of her partner, she faced death many times. After a particularly vicious night of violence, Lani finally found the courage to leave, committed to healing herself and getting sober. At this time, she met John, the man who would become her partner, the father of her children and the reason she sought justice for the crimes committed against her.

In court, Lani was forced to face the man who attacked her for the first time since she left him. But as hard as the experience was, it was a victory for Lani, with a 33-year sentence handed down for her ex-partner.

Now a role model for Aboriginal and abused women, Lani Brennan is a powerful example of a life transformed. She has changed the outlook of women in her community by finding the strength to stand up against violence. Hers is an amazing story.