LATEST NEWS
New resources are available to address abuse of older women and women with disability. To equip frontline workers to detect and respond to abuse, the NSW Government has launched a suite of training modules and resources to address domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV). Evidence from the Ageing and Disability Commission shows almost two-thirds of reports received relate to the abuse of women. Women with disability are significantly more likely to experience violence. The new DFSV materials provide frontline workers with free training and resources tailored to older women and women with disability, covering a range of topics: identifying signs of abuse, harmful attitudes and behaviours tips for documenting DFSV - safety planning - supporting victim-survivors to report - responding to disclosures of abuse and referral pathways. In a first for NSW, the Ageing and Disability Commission partnered with the NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner to develop the resources, consulting older women, women with disability and sector experts. These are designed to be used by frontline workers, advocates and other support workers in the disability, ageing, and/or DFSV sectors. Read more NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Today the ACT Government has introduced significant legislative reforms designed to increase protections and improve justice for victims of family, personal and sexual violence. The Family, Personal and Sexual Violence Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 contains proposed amendments to establish the Family Violence Safety Notice Scheme, improve victim-survivors’ experiences in court proceedings, and make character references irrelevant in sentencing for sexual offences against children.
Research from e-safety Commissioner shows that 27% of domestic violence cases involve technology-facilitated abuse of children. In this video, WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM explains what technology-facilitated abuse is, how abusers use it against victim-survivors, and the profound impact it has on children. If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: NATIONAL – ASK IZZY Ask Izzy, a helpful online directory for a wide range of services she may be in need of (you can check out their website: https://askizzy.org.au/). Their website is really easy to use, and has over 350,000 services listed that may be useful. NATIONAL - 1800 RESPECT (available 24/7) 1800 737 732 www.1800respect.org.au Free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and DFV NATIONAL - 13 YARN (available 24/7) 13 92 76 https://www.13yarn.org.au Free and confidential service available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in crisis. NATIONAL - 1800 ELDERHelp 1800 353 374 Free call phone number that automatically redirects callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse NSW - Link2Home (9am-10pm daily) 1800 152 152 Information and referral helpline for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless NSW - Lifeline (available 24/7) 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au Call, chat or text available NSW Domestic Violence Line (available 24/7) 1800 65 64 63 VIC - Safe Steps (available 24/7) 1800 015 188 safesteps.org.au Specialist support services for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence VIC - The Orange Door 1800 319 353 www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au Help for people who are experiencing or using family violence or who need support with the care and wellbeing of children and young people. If you are in an emergency, please call 000
WCS was honoured to attend the 12th Annual Say No 2 DV Breakfast, with CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM, COO Neesha Eckersley, and teams from Camden Women's Shelter and our new Liverpool Women’s Shelters. It was a pleasure to see Minister Jodie Harrison MP and to hear Kristy Drower ’s incredibly brave story reminded us why this work matters so deeply.
As you tick off your Christmas shopping list, consider supporting the incredible retailers who have stood alongside us this year. Their generosity has made a real difference for women and children in our shelters 🎄🧡 Camilla Campos Coffee Canturi Jewels Clarins Garage Roasters: Shelter Blend: https://garageroasters.com.au/products/shelter-blend?variant=44694075801779) Lorna Jane Active MECCA Suzanne Grae Temple & Webster @TwoGoodCo
