As the festive season approaches, it’s important to shed light on the spikes in domestic violence and abuse that often accompany the Christmas and New Year period. The combination of closed safe places like schools and work, heightened alcohol use, and added financial strain can escalate existing patterns of abuse.
What should be a time of love and joy transforms into a period of intense fear and dread for many women and children, with little or no escape.
Support from Women & Children First
Operating on the Lower North Shore and Northern Beaches, Women & Children First plays a critical role in supporting women and children escaping domestic and family violence through their two refuges and integrated wraparound care, which includes critical services such as specialised child-centred casework, family counselling, relationship education programs, financial aid and employment support. One of the refuges is Delvena’s Womens Refuge which is located in the Lane Cove Council Area (an address is withheld for security reasons).
A year ago, one of Women & Children First’s clients, Anna* took a courageous step, leaving behind an abusive husband and the father of her precious four-year-old daughter, Eva. Years of psychological, emotional, and financial abuse had taken their toll, prompting Anna to break free.
Effectively homeless and desperate, Anna was referred to Women & Children First.
“We stayed in their refuge for a month, and I can honestly say, it became the turning point for my recovery and rebuilding of mine and Eva’s lives” said Anna. “Beyond safety and accommodation, I’ve gained so much knowledge, independence, confidence and strength since meeting the team.”
Women & Children First provided a safe shelter for Anna and her daughter and wrapped them in an emotional, legal, and spiritual blanket of advice, advocacy, education, and support. The team then stood by Anna as she navigated the aftermath of the abuse, helping her make sense of the complexities of the family law system and providing the emotional support needed to face the challenges ahead.
Rebuilding Lives With Your Support
After applying for nearly 40 apartments, Anna finally found a rental unit earlier this year, bringing her closer to friends and family. Women & Children First didn’t stop at securing housing; they worked tirelessly to ensure she had the financial and emotional support needed.
Eight months after leaving the refuge, Anna and Eva are settled and safe, continuing to heal and rebuild their lives.
A Call For Support This Christmas
Anna’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of Women & Children First, providing vital support and care to women and children in their darkest hours.
But with their resources already stretched (they’re only funded by the government for 25% of the women and children they support), they’re reaching out to the Lane Cove community to ask them to donate to their Christmas appeal, which will provide safe shelter and wraparound care for the families living in their crisis accommodation over the holiday period.
With the goal of providing 154 nights of emergency shelter and wraparound care, Women & Children First aims to ensure that Christmas is filled with love, not fear, for every family in their care.
Together, the community can make this vision a reality and offer safety, healing, and the opportunity for a brighter future to more families like Anna and Eva.
💛 $50 provides a sim card and credit for a safe phone, connecting women and children to family and friends over the holidays.
💛 $100 provides groceries for a special Christmas lunch for a mother and her children.
💛 $204 ensures one night of safe accommodation and wraparound care for a family in our refuge.
We know how generous you are, Lane Cove – if you can afford to assist, you can donate by hitting the button below.
* Not Anna’s Real Name
