Decked out in her purple best, Emma Gane celebrated three years of freedom from domestic violence on Saturday.
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Ms Gane has been through two violent relationships, one for five years and another for 10.
"It is one of the best events I have all year round. It's not for anything but freedom. Every year I just get excited like a little kid at Christmas time," Ms Gane said.
The freedom parties started as a way for Ms Gane to treat herself - as she had never had cake while being abused - while encouraging others to speak about their experiences.
People who had been through domestic violence were encouraged to wear purple, while white was for those who vowed not to condone domestic violence, commit it or stay silent about it.
As well as her family and friends, Ms Gane said celebrating with her were seven people who had been through domestic or family violence.
"There were less people there than I expected but the ones that came had a ball," she said.
Ms Gane said after three years, her freedom still felt very new.
"It's hard to describe, apart from it's amazing to be free and I will treasure it forever as I go back to who I was before I was abused, just wiser."
Ms Gane said she was thankful to everyone who went to the event and helped her to celebrate.