Upstream Investigations

Hi, if you’ve stumbled across this page in a google search about relationship abuse and violence or have been referred by a friend, let me say,

Hello Survivor.

Because you are. 

 

 

Being safe and feeling safe are closely entwined. One is about the physical safety you create, whilst the later is about the emotional and psychological safety that has been lost.

 

So talking things out with an experienced, empathetic expert, can be the first step to feeling safe again.

 

Upstream Investigations combines trauma and dignity informed practices to gather evidence with integrated wellness strategies and relationship education before, during and after it ends. 

 

If your (ex) partner monitors you, makes you feel scared, intimidated or controlled you, then this site is safe for you to find the information and resources you need to help you identify the real issues and concerns.  Assessing the impact of theses types of behaviours can take an outsider, as you have more than likely developed effective coping strategies like avoiding certain topics so as to not rock the boat, complying with requests to keep the peace, sacrificing time, energy and focus on things you love to do to support your partner. Who you are now and how you show up is the first step to healing and recovery from an abusive relationship.  Using a number of strategies we can help you not only identify the abusive patterns of behaviour, but respond in a non confrontational way that gives you the outcome you are seeking. We help you see what you are getting out of the relationship dynamic that keeps you there or brings feelings of obligation. We stay in unhealthy relationships for a number of reasons:

  • Financials
  • Protecting Children
  • Hope it will get better and that this is just a tough time.

 

Our Change Behaviour Program is a Self Care Centred program that builds confidence, gives you a language to describe your experience and supports you as you delve into hard conversations, difficult situations and negotiate what you want your relationship to look like.

We are about improving the quality of life and the safety of women and children and you’ll have access to a world of support you never thought existed. Women practitioners who have experienced abuse and violence or endured a separation and have gone on to create the life they want and have the meaningful relationships they deserve.

Together we’ll help you make a plan to move forward.

 

 

As a former police officer with nearly two decades of experience in domestic violence investigation, and a specialist in child protection and criminal prosecution, Upstream Investigations founders are the female-led team and Australia’s first dedicated Domestic Violence Private Investigations Agency.  

“We are trauma informed with a deep understanding of the systems and processes and know that justice isn’t always your priority or the outcome you will get from our legal system.  Protection and Safety for Women and Children continue to dominate discussions, headlines and government department agendas, and for good reason.”

– Pip Rae, Upstream Investigations and Wellness

We offer an ongoing investigative approach, that helps you identify patterns of abusive behaviour and understand the civil protection order process.  We advocate for your safety, articulate your needs and will help you navigate the systems to find alternative pathways in escaping the abuse and protecting you from harm.  

 

Whether you intuitively know, or rely on evidence to identify the reality of your situation, our investigation can validate and support you during this emotional time. We can help you discern the intentions of your (ex) partner and collect the evidence needed to prove it.

 

 Our highest priority is to intervene and de-escalate conflict, protect you from harm and violence,  seeking better justice outcomes.

Highly trained, experienced and skilled investigators gather the evidence, provide timely advice, and advocate on your behalf. We help you navigate a situation that can feel overwhelming and complex. We make it simple to understand the process.

We ask the questions others don’t.

We unravel the root cause of the conflict.

We identify your issues and concerns.

We clarify the intentions of the perpetrator.

 

  • We support and help you clarify your desired outcome.
  • We guide you along the journey to resolution.
  • We provide confidentiality and objectivity.
  • Which means a more balanced and thorough investigation. 
  • We ensure the evidence is captured and considered. 

AVOIDING A COMPLEX & COSTLY SYSTEM​

Navigating the Australian Legal System can be complex and costly. Upstream Investigations work with you to simplify the process and reduce unnecessary expenses. By educating and informing you about how the Civil, Criminal and Family Law systems function, we provide strategies, tactics and alternative pathways that help you find a happy way forward.

 

 

 

We specialise in three core areas:

  • Prevention – Education, information & knowledge of your rights, responsibilities, choices and outcomes.

  • Investigation – Gathering evidence, embedded education, documenting circumstances, building statements.

  • Intervention – Navigating the court process, advocating on your behalf, representing your rights

 

  • Recovery – Networks across Australia that support the transformation and empower autonomy

 

 

RECOMMENDATIONS + REFERRALS + RESOURCES FOR A RESOLUTION

 

We’ve recently created and launched The Gift of Safety, find out how to manage your emotions, connect with services and find resources to support your journey. The Gift of Safety is a Wellbeing, Wellness and Change Behaviour Program for Women.  Helping them to feel more Confident and Comfortable.