In Wyndham, a group of women led by Hoppers Crossing resident Kristina Kuster has come together to form a support group for the partners and family members of prisoners.

It meets every month and provides comfort and a friendly ear to its members as they try to cope without their loved ones.

Ms Kuster, whose partner is halfway through a 22-year jail sentence, said it was still difficult.

Her son was only six when his father was sent to prison.

"Nobody knows what it's like unless you've been through it," she said. "We have our good days and our bad days, but the kids are the ones who really hurt.

"For the first two years I was very depressed, lost my self-esteem and dignity, and just closed the doors and pushed everybody away.

"My son idolised his father and he's missed out spending Father's Day and Christmas with him since he was in primary school.

"There's always going to be that enormous sense of loss, but we love him and we've got to stay strong. There are so many who give up hope, but that won't ever happen to me.

"Sometimes when I go into visit him, I just want grab him and take him home, but I know I can't. However, I'll stand by my man and be here waiting for him when he finally gets out."

Trena Rowe, whose husband was sentenced to three years' jail, said two of her children moved back home when he was put away.

"We didn't go anywhere for first few months because we were afraid people would stop and stare. It's had such a devastating effect on us. Once I've paid the water, gas and electricity bills, I've got only $43 a fortnight and have had to rely on my children. Although it's an ongoing struggle, one day I got talking to Kristina and she pulled me up, and she's been like a rock ever since."

The support group has 20 members and holds meetings at the Hoppers Crossing Club. Ms Kuster said it was open to partners, children, family members and friends.

Details: Kristina Kuster, 0421 399 685.