LATEST NEWS
How inspiring to see young people taking action! Elderslie High School raised an incredible $725 for Camden Women's Shelter with a delicious bake sale, and Santa Sabina College generously donated ‘giving trees’ to Parramatta Women's Shelter 🧡 We are so grateful to these amazing schools, students, and staff for supporting women and children escaping homelessness, domestic, and family violence. Your efforts make a real difference in our communities. #ThankYou #YouthInAction #CommunitySupport #WomensShelter #EndingViolence #WalktheTalk #womenscommunitysheltersau
ABC News highlighted the national vigils in honour of the women who have died by violence in Australia in 2024. The ABC has been tracking violence against women, perpetrated by men. "This year, 56 women have allegedly been murdered by a man in instances of gendered violence. That averages out to more than one woman a week allegedly killed by a man." Helplines: If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000 #DFV #DVawareness #DVprevention #Advocacy #domesticandfamilyviolence
"This is the law doing exactly what it was intended to do - provide a course of action for a pattern of behaviour that in this case, was clearly escalating toward lethal violence. There is someone alive today who may have been a grim statistic without the new coercive control legislation in place in NSW." Women's Community Shelters CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM From 1 July 2024, coercive control is a criminal offence in NSW when a person uses abusive behaviours towards a current or former intimate partner with the intention to coerce or control them. The criminal offence captures repeated patterns of physical or non-physical abuse used to hurt, scare, intimidate, threaten or control someone. The law only applies to abusive behaviour that happens after 1 July 2024. For information about coercive control, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/coercive-control
🧡A chance to help, a chance to win 🧡 With every raffle ticket you buy, you help support women and children who are experiencing homelessness, domestic or family violence. The incredible prize is a pair of stunning diamond earrings valued at $4800 by iconic Australian luxury jewellery brand @canturi 💎 🎟️ Tickets are just $15, or go big and grab a bundle for $100 for more chances to shine bright like a diamond! 💎 Visit our website: https://www.womenscommunityshelters.org.au/2024canturiraffle/ Thank you so much for your support 🧡 WCS thanks Canturi for their generosity in donating this amazing prize. #raffle #rafflewithpurpose #dvprevention #dvawareness #rafflewithacause
"It feels like déjà vu – a year ago we were collectively horrified as a nation by the brutal murder of Lilie James by a man she had briefly dated, and once again, we have seen a hideous spate of violence in which the lives of eleven women have been taken over the past 16 days. " WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM reacts to the article published by SBS News titled 'Australia called for an end to violence against women. Helplines: If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000 #EndDV #DVawareness #DVprevention #WomensCommunitySheltersau
A Recent report from Prevention Collaborative reveals a strong link between harmful alcohol use and the risk of violence against women and children. In fact, many women around us and in our local communities frequently observe that violence is more likely when their partner is intoxicated. Despite this clear link, there are limited violence prevention programmes that intentionally address harmful alcohol use. So, what can be done to help? The report suggests that by integrating alcohol reduction strategies into new or existing violence prevention efforts, strengthening linkages with peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, supporting community mobilisation and joining forces with groups advocating for stronger alcohol regulation, it can be ensured that initiatives are not missing this huge opportunity to prevent violence in the home. Source: https://prevention-collaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Alcohol-Review-FINAL.pdf
Raffle with a cause ✨ Gotta be in it to win it ✨ Enter our raffle to win a pair of stunning diamond earrings valued at $4800 by iconic Australian luxury jewellery brand CANTURI (Canturi Jewels) 💎 These gorgeous natural diamond hoop earrings, could be yours, or if you really want to make someone happy, you might gift them to your special person. Every ticket you buy helps to support women and children who are experiencing homelessness, domestic or family violence 🧡 🎟️ Tickets are just $15, or go big and grab a bundle for $100 for more chances to shine bright like a diamond! 💎 Get your ticket here: https://www.womenscommunityshelters.org.au/2024canturiraffle/ #raffle #rafflewithpurpose #dvprevention #dvawareness #rafflewithacause
We're excited to announce that both Beecroft House and Allawah House are hosting a meanwhile-use student placement program in partnership with Excelsia College! With two passionate Master of Social Work students at each site, these placements provide invaluable hands-on experience as they assist with day-to-day operations and support our onsite wellbeing programs. One of our students, Indu, shares her experience.
Biyani House - Revesby Women’s Shelter invites you to an unforgettable High Tea event! Join us for an inspiring afternoon with renowned journalist Nour Haydar as MC, featuring acclaimed author and journalist Jess Hill as speaker, and Kween Kibone for the music atmosphere. This event isn’t just about gathering together – it’s about making a meaningful impact and supporting a great cause: empowering women and children by rising funds for families in crisis. 📅 When: 6 December 📍 Where: Bankstown Sports Club 🎟️ Don’t miss out! https://events.humanitix.com/high-hopes-high-tea
✨ A Chance to Win, A Chance to Help ✨ Enter our raffle to win a pair of stunning diamond earrings valued at $4800 by iconic Australian luxury jewellery brand CANTURI (Canturi Jewels) 💎 Diamonds really are a girl's best friend! The perfect natural diamond hoop earrings, could be yours, or if you really want to make someone happy, you might gift them to that special person in your life. The best part? Every ticket you buy helps to support women and children who are experiencing homelessness, domestic or family violence 🧡 🎟️ Tickets are just $15, or go big and grab a bundle for $100 for more chances to shine bright like a diamond! 💎 https://www.womenscommunityshelters.org.au/2024canturiraffle/ #raffle #rafflewithpurpose #dvprevention #dvawareness #rafflewithacause
🌟 Did you catch us on ABC News on Saturday? 🌟 Resident Marilyn and our CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM, shared the story of Allawah House and the impact of "meanwhile use" properties. Hear firsthand from Marilyn about the journey to stability and from Annabelle on how this innovative housing solution makes a real difference. Watch here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-02/program-in-nsw-helps-vulnerable-women-find-shelter/104553676 #meanwhileuse #housingsolutions #innovativehousing #DVprevention
Thank you to Cat Dunn, a survivor of domestic violence and the inspiring leader behind the event Life After I Left. Recently featured in The News Bayside, Cat is generously donating a portion of ticket sales to Women’s Community Shelters to help us establish a new shelter in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. 🌟 Together, we’re building a brighter future for women in need. Thank you, Cat, for your support and dedication to making a difference! #MorningtonPeninsula #WomensCommunityShelters #Support #community Read the full article here: https://baysidenews.com.au/2024/10/30/survivor-talks-life-after-i-left/#google_vignette
Join us for an unforgettable evening at The Sanctuary Women’s Shelter 2024 Serving Hope Fundraiser, featuring special guest Jelena Dokic! Happening Sunday, 24 November, from 5 to 9 pm, this event promises inspiration, impact, and community spirit. The Sanctuary is a beacon of hope, providing short-term crisis accommodation and wrap-around care to women and children in the Hills District of Sydney who are facing homelessness or escaping domestic violence. Since their doors opened in March 2016, they have offered a safe haven with around-the-clock care, support, and a pathway to a new life. Be part of this vital fundraiser, enjoy the evening, and get inspired! Book your tickets here: https://thesanctuary.supporterhub.net.au/events/servinghopefundraiser-2024
We can't wait to welcome the fabulous Walk the Talk students to our 2024 awards night hosted by the Honourable Jodie Harrison MP, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. We will be recognising the extraordinary support that students have given to their local shelters this year 🧡 #WalktheTalk #WomensCommunityShelters #healthyrelationships #helpeachother #dvawareness #dvprevention
Imagine thinking you were in a loving relationship when it starts to turn bad, even violent, and you know you have to escape. But where do you go? Who do you stay with? You have children to look after too, so you desperately need a safe place to stay. Did you know that from as little as $25 a month you can help a woman and her children escaping domestic and family violence. You can support her by helping us create new crisis shelters, new accommodation opportunities and you can support her by helping us plan for the future. If we can say yes to new safe places, then we can yes to her when she needs our help. With your monthly donation we can create a safer, more supportive community, together. Become a 'SupportHer everyday' by donating to Women's Community Shelters at https://shorturl.at/fD2VG #SupportHer #WomensCommunityShelters #regulardonors #DFV #DomesticAndFamilyViolence @followers
📢 Anglicare’s annual snapshot supports WCS’s stance from the July 2024 parliamentary inquiry on ending “no grounds” evictions! 🚫🏠 🔍 The proposed reforms will ensure renters receive a genuine reason for eviction, providing much-needed security. WCS emphasized that no-grounds evictions often lead to increased homelessness or the fear of it. Women facing eviction without cause struggle to find new housing, especially when dealing with domestic violence, financial instability, or mental health challenges. We must also consider the ripple effect on our workforce. If WCS staff can’t find or afford housing, our ability to support women and children escaping homelessness and violence is compromised. #homelessness #housing #DVawareness #DVprevention #WomensCommunityShelters
Join us in welcoming Gabriela Hernandez, our WCS Hub's new Operations Co-ordinator. Gabriela joins us from a social enterprise and has a wealth of experience in the sector and a strong background in projects and operations across health and human services organisations! Gabriela has already made a wonderful impression during her first week, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of the WCS team 🧡
WCS in the news📰 New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals that one in five women in Australia have been stalked, most often by a current or former male partner. Read Women's Agenda's article featuring Annabelle Daniel OAM, CEO of Women's Community Shelters, as she shares her expert insights on this alarming statistic: https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/one-in-five-women-in-australia-have-been-stalked-most-often-by-a-current-or-former-male-partner/
NEWLY CREATED POSITION - JOIN OUR TEAM ✨ The Manager – Asset Strategy and Operations will play a crucial role in the strategic and operational management and development of Women Community Shelters property portfolio. As a new position you will be responsible for the development and implementation of cross divisional policies and systems to support the planned and responsive maintenance of safe and sustainable homes and building internal knowledge and skill in relation to asset management. The role will be part of an innovative team that is positioned to respond to government and philanthropic opportunities when they present and will support the Director of Housing in the associated project management and delivery. In addition, you will be responsible for developing strong working relationships across the WCS shelter network and providing advice and training to shelter managers and other relevant staff within the network as required. 📍Located in Surry Hills close to Central train station. 🌟 What's on offer? - Meaningful work with purpose and impact - Hybrid work and work-life balance - Salary Sacrifice fringe benefit - Meal, entertainment, leisure, and accommodation benefits - Additional leave days during Christmas and New Year - Wellbeing allowance - Supportive learning culture with career development and training opportunities - Employee Assistance Program For more information and to apply: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/wcs/manager-asset-strategy-operations?employer=Women%27s%20Community%20Shelters
JOIN OUR TEAM ✨ The Manager – Housing Innovation will lead WCS’s direct service delivery programs, which includes innovative short and long-term housing solutions for women with and without children experiencing homelessness, including as a result of domestic and family violence. Working as part of a team you will play a crucial role in developing and responding to new opportunities as part of WCS commitment to flexibility and innovation. This will include developing strong working relationships and partnerships across the sector with government, not-for-profit and for-profit organisations. In addition, you will work with internal partners and staff to embed best practice service quality with alignment to legislative and reporting obligations. 📍Located in Surry Hills close to Central train station. 🌟 What's on offer? - Meaningful work with purpose and impact - Hybrid work and work-life balance - Salary Sacrifice fringe benefit - Meal, entertainment, leisure, and accommodation benefits - Additional leave days during Christmas and New Year - Wellbeing allowance - Supportive learning culture with career development and training opportunities - Employee Assistance Program Find more information about the role and apply here: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/wcs/manager-housing-innovation?employer=Women%27s%20Community%20Shelters
Annabelle Reacts 🎙️ The Courier Mail recently published an article titled ‘Domestic violence skyrockets in Queensland,’ and our CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM shares her thoughts: ‘It’s really heartening to see police talking about domestic and family violence as part of their ‘core business’ and recognising that breaches of AVOs are serious and should be prosecuted. There is no such thing as a ‘low level’ breach, as abusers using coercive control will often test the limits of what they can get away with to continue to torment and control their victims, and if they feel like they can do so without consequences, abuse will continue and potentially even increase. It’s vital that police understand the patterns of coercive control prior to the offence taking effect in Queensland in May 2025.’ #Domesticviolence #domesticviolenceawareness #domesticviolenceprevention #WomensCommunityShelters #EndDV
❓Did you know all employees in Australia are entitled to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave each year? This vital support is available to full-time, part-time, and casual employees. But as WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM points out in The Daily AUS, the leave is "still fairly new and awareness is still growing” 💬 Do you think awareness of this leave has reached enough people yet? Learn more about your entitlements 🔗 https://www.fairwork.gov.au/leave/family-and-domestic-violence-leave (link to the article is in the 'comment' section)
October is Mental Health Month, and we're highlighting the connection between domestic and family violence and mental health. Coercive control Coercive control can deeply impact mental health, leading to long-term consequences. Let’s work together to raise awareness. Helplines: If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000 #MentalHealthMonth #CoerciveControl #DomesticViolence #DVawareness #DVprevention
Anti-poverty week 2024 starts today. Research indicates that economic security is a key factor influencing a woman’s decision or ability to leave, stay in, or return to an abusive relationship. When faced with the prospect of living in poverty or even experiencing homelessness if they leave an abusive relationship, many women have little choice but to remain. (Anne Summers, The Choice: Violence or Poverty, 2022) At WCS, we emphasise the critical need for affordable, available, and accessible housing as a pathway out of violence. #Antipovertyweek2024 #domesticviolence #homelessness
The Coercive Control Monitoring Report has just been published. 95% of the victims were of accidents of coercive control which were recorded by NSW Police in July and August 2024 were women. Coercive control incidents can include one or more types of controlling behaviour. The most common behaviours recorded were: • Harassment, monitoring or tracking • Shaming, degrading or humiliating • Threats or intimidation • Financial abuse • Social isolation or cultural abuse Helplines: If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000 #coercivecontrol #DomesticViolence #DFV #DVawareness #DVprevention #WomensCommunityShelters
In the Guardian Australia yesterday, WCS CEO (who is also Chair of Domestic Violence NSW, and the Independent Member on the New South Wales Coercive Control Implementation Taskforce, leading the Domestic and Family Violence Sector and Lived Expertise Reference Groups) commented about the more than 80 reports of coercive control made to NSW Police Force since the new offenced commenced on 1 July. #CoerciveControl #DomesticViolence #DVPrevention #DVAwareness #WomensCommunityShelters
💡 What’s the real cost of domestic and family violence? Find out in WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM’s latest Marie Claire piece, where she highlights the power of investing in solutions over paying for problems. Read the full article here:
WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM in Women's Agenda for World Homelessness Day about the need to provide safe, secure and affordable places to go for women and their children escaping domestic and family violence. #WorldHomelessDay #DFV #DVawareness #DVprevention #WomensCommunityShelters
It's World Homeless Day today. Women's Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM shares this message: Women’s Community Shelters recognises that domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and their dependent children. It is vital to recognise that in a housing affordability crisis, women may choose to stay in abusive relationships if they cannot find somewhere safe, secure and affordable to go. Women’s Community Shelters has grown our shelter network bed nights by 30% in the last twelve months, but the percentage of clients we have been unable to assist has grown by 92% in the same period. Providing shelter through crisis, transitional and long-term housing prevents more women becoming homeless. We need to invest in ‘whole of society’ solutions to prevent more women becoming homeless this year and into the future. #WorldHomelessDay #homelessness #DVawareness #DVprevention #WomensCommunityShelters
Annabelle Reacts 🎙 Today's commentary from our CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM comes in response to the SBS Australia article, "'A tool of abuse': The critical flaws in Australia's child support system." Annabelle draws from nearly a decade of experience at the Child Support Agency and the Commonwealth Ombudsman during significant changes in the 2000s. Annabelle calls for an overhaul, advocating for guaranteed payments, stronger enforcement, and better resourcing. #ChildSupport #CoerciveControl #AnnabelleReacts #WomensCommunityShelters #PostSeparationAbuse #dvawareness #DFV
ANROWS’s research on violence against women and mental health, examines the way that mental health intersects with trauma, complex trauma, disability, coercive control, access to justice and parenting. Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) has a structured process in place to address mental health needs. Upon entry to our shelters, residents collaborate with staff to develop a targeted individual case plan. Shelters provide on-site counselling services and peer support groups. This approach ensures that each woman’s mental health needs are systematically identified and addressed, promoting overall well-being and recovery. #mentalhealthmonth #dvawareness #dvprevention #womenscommunityshelters
"We need the government to do a stocktake of properties that are unused and can be used." WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM is featured in the Daily Telegraph article 'Three Sisters' makeover. Read her important insights on the urgent need for more transitional housing. #transitionalhousing #Domesticandfamilyviolence #dvawareness #dvprevention
WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM (who also acts as the Independent Member on the NSW Coercive Control Implementation Taskforce) reacts to the article 'WA to wait further advice before criminalising coercive control as justice system needs clear understanding' published in The West Australian. The NSW Death Review of domestic homicides drew a clear and inescapable link between coercive control and domestic homicide in 111 out of 112 cases. #coercivecontrol #DomesticAndFamilyViolence
"Thank you so Are Media Marie Claire Australia Magazine’s Georgie Abay for using your reach to help us to continue to advocate for more and better responses to domestic, family and sexual violence in Australia! It was a privilege to be profiled with our ideas and solutions alongside my staunch and deadly colleagues Ashlee Donohue and Sarah Williams, Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine and Dr Vincent Hurley. Thank you Harriet Sim for your wonderful coverage and coordination." WCS CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM #domesticviolenceawareness #domesticviolenceprevention #DomesticAndFamilyViolence
WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM offers her perspective on the recent ABC News article about ‘non-criminal domestic episodes’ attended by the NSW Police. Read the article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-01/non-criminal-domestic-episodes-nsw-police-social-workers-system/104337074 #womenscommunityshelters #dvawareness #dvprevention #domesticandfamilyviolence
Today starts Mental Health Month🌟 We’re highlighting how Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) supports the mental health of women and children we help. 🌟 Our approach includes specialist mental health care with access to doctors, psychiatrists, and counsellors. For children, our Child Support Program includes psychological, learning and mentoring support. Our outreach team ensures regular check-ins and home visits. We also provide wrap-around services tailored to each family’s needs, from educational support to fun, enriching activities that bring joy and normalcy. Together, we’re building a safe and supportive community where mental health matters 🧡 #MentalHealthMatters #SupportAndHealing #WomensCommunityShelters
"It’s heartening to see the superannuation industry come behind calls to ensure people using abuse do not receive a financial windfall or benefit from their partner’s superannuation on death". Read WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM reaction to an article published by The Australian titled 'Don’t let DV abusers get payout after suicide’: super funds'. Helplines: If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000
📣This Saturday, 28 September, Lorna Jane Active will celebrate Active Nation Day with parkrun events across Australia and New Zealand in support of Women's Community Shelters. For each participant, Lorna Jane will donate $1 to WCS, aiming to raise $100,000 for women and children escaping homelessness and domestic violence 🧡 If you'd like to join us, you can sign up here: https://www.lornajane.com.au/our-brand/active-nation-day Thank you to Lorna Jane! #community #together #womenscommunitysheltersau #dvawareness #DVprevention
At WCS, we see first hand the consequences of domestic and family violence. Our mission is to provide safe accommodation along with critical wrap-around support services, including access to health care, counselling, legal help, child support, and pathways to education, training and employment. #DFV #DFVawareness #DFVprevention #womenscommunitysheltersau
Last week at the DVNSW conference, we were reminded of a powerful quote shared by Maha Abodo OAM, CEO of Muslim Women Australia. She also highlighted the importance of listening with the heart and its importance in what we do 🧡 #DVNSWconference #DFVawareness #DFVprevention #DFV #womenscommunitysheltersau
