LATEST NEWS
A young man who perpetrated a four-month regime of domestic violence against a woman receiving NDIS support has been jailed — as reported in a recent ABC News article. This case is a stark reminder of the heightened risk faced by women with disability. 📊 65% of women with disability report experiencing at least one incident of violence since the age of 15. (Source: NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Strategic Plan 2024–2027 – Working together to address domestic, family and sexual violence). At Women’s Community Shelters, we see firsthand that coercive control is about dominating and controlling somebody, keeping them in fear, and intimidating them. It's cutting off a victim-survivor's access to the outside world in many different ways. Our social tiles highlight the many tactics the perpetrator used — as outlined in the article by Judge Kudelka — to control and intimidate. Often invisible to others, always devastating in impact. Read the full article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-18/tyson-hubbard-jailed-horror-dv-regime-ndis-recipient/105426070 -- If you are in need of support, please reach out to the following helplines: Family and domestic violence support: 1800 RESPECT (available 24/7): 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au Free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and DFV Link2Home (9am-10pm daily): 1800 152 152 Information and referral helpline for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless Lifeline (available 24/7): 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463 Call, chat or text available If you are in an emergency, please call 000
We are Women's Community Shelters 🧡 If you would like to donate this EOFY and support our work, your donation will be matched 🧡 🧡 This match is only available for a limited time. Please give today: https://bit.ly/EOFY_women_escaping_violence Don’t forget, every donation over $2 is tax deductible.
🏠YOUR DONATION DOUBLED $150 = $300 - doubling the nights of safety and support for a woman and her children. 🧡 🧡 One safe night becomes two - so they can start rebuilding their lives. A safe bed in a supportive shelter can mean staying alive, or out of hospital. It could be the reason a child sleeps safely in a warm bed, and not in a car. This match is only available for a limited time. Please give today: https://bit.ly/EOFY_women_escaping_violence Don’t forget, every donation over $2 is tax deductible.
"It takes a whole of community to create positive social change. Last week champions from local community and our staff rolled up their sleeves to prepare our newest shelter for service readiness. Women's Community Shelters together with Camden Women's Shelter and local community champions will be establishing a much needed crisis accomodation shelter in Liverpool LGA for women and children impacted by domestic and family violence. Huge support from the Liverpool community to bring this to fruition 🙏🏽🙏🏽 Sue-Lei Mingay and Cheryl Macnaught"
For World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, WCS CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM sheds light on the connection between elder abuse and women's homelessness. It’s important to recognise that abuse doesn’t always happen in intimate partner relationships but also within families. This abuse impacts women’s financial safety and security and puts them at a significant risk of homelessness. WCS is dedicated to addressing this issue by providing safe, secure and supportive emergency accommodation and dedicated transitional housing designed exclusively for women over 55. We now operate 5 large properties tailored to their needs. 🧡 If you’d like to make an impact this End of Financial Year, donate to our campaign: https://bit.ly/EOFY_women_escaping_violence
Do you know what women and children escaping domestic and family violence need most?It’s safe housing, short-term in the midst of crisis, and long-term, so they can build new futures. In a housing crisis, we are forced to turn away 1 in 2 women simply because we don’t have enough safe places for them to go. This June, will you help us raise $750,000 - the cost to open and run a new shelter for a year, giving hope and safety to over 30 women and 80 children in desperate need? 🧡 Your donation today will help create more safe beds, more shelter, and save more lives. 👉 Donate today: https://bit.ly/EOFY_women_escaping_violence
"He stopped me from talking to male colleagues." The authors of a new research publish their findings in The Conversation on how domestic violence often begins with isolation and control. WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM says: "This excellent research surveys a large number of coercive control survivors and highlights that isolation from friends, family and social networks is an early red flag in an abusive relationship. Working with hundreds of women and children every year, we see this reflected in the experiences women disclose to us." 👉 Go through the slides for the red flags to watch for. Read the article here: ‘He stopped me from talking to male colleagues’: new research shows how domestic violence so often starts with isolation and control Annabelle Daniel OAM is the founding CEO of Women’s Community Shelters, Chair of Domestic Violence NSW (the peak body for domestic and family violence services in 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. -- If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800 RESPECT (available 24/7): 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au Free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and DFV Link2Home (9am-10pm daily): 1800 152 152 Information and referral helpline for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless Lifeline (available 24/7): 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463 Call, chat or text available If you are in an emergency, please call 000
📰 Read the inspiring story of Conor Pall, a young man driving change in the Victorian legislation after being forced to navigate a system that failed to recognise him as a victim of family violence in his own right. At WCS, safeguarding children has always been a core priority. Keeping children safe helps to interrupt cycles of violence. We recognise children as clients in their own right—individuals with unique needs, experiences, and rights. Children are not merely ‘accompanying’ their mothers, but are deserving of dedicated support, care, and advocacy that meets their unique needs 🧡
❗Important changes in the Family Law Act: From 10 June 2025, the Family Law Act 1975 includes changes to the law about: • how the family law courts will determine a property settlement • what the family law courts will consider when determining a property settlement. This includes the economic effect of any family violence, where relevant. These changes apply to all separating couples, whether their property settlement is determined by the family law courts, or they are negotiating outside of court. This might include where a person has controlled all of the finances or spending. The impact of family violence could be relevant when assessing a party’s contributions to the property pool and to the welfare of the family (for example, if they were not allowed to work), and when assessing their current and future circumstances (for example, if they have ongoing counselling or rehabilitation costs). More information here: https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/publications/family-law-changes-june-2025-information-family-law-professionals
🏠 Women's Community Shelters has established 11 crisis shelters across NSW—and two more are opening soon to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence. (We accommodate 220 women and children every single night. In 2024, that totalled almost 67,000 nights of safety for 1606 women and children.) For women over 50, we now provide four dedicated housing properties that offer safety and stability for up to 75 women at risk. But the need keeps growing. 🧡 This End of Financial Year, you can help us create more life-changing housing solutions. 👉 Donate today: https://bit.ly/EOFY_women_escaping_violence Don’t forget, every donation over $2 is tax deductible. #EOFYgiving #SafeHousing #EndDFV #WomensCommunityShelters #DonateForImpact
✊💬 Our CEO speaks out in a powerful op-ed for Women's Agenda. Don't miss it! 📰 Read here: https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/what-the-ten-to-men-study-tells-us-and-what-it-must-not-excuse/ Women’s Community Shelters CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM is also Chair of Domestic Violence NSW (the peak body for domestic and family violence services in 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.
💡 Important read on financial abuse and the child support system A recent ABC article highlights how some parents are able to manipulate the child support system with little to no consequences — leaving mothers to shoulder the burden. "We've certainly had complainants who said to them that this made them feel very unsafe, and they in fact withdrew from processes … rather than … [seek] to pursue unpaid child support." ombudsman Iain Anderson The issue is compounded by a tax system that assumes all payments have been made, even when they haven’t. This is a form of financial abuse, a key element of coercive control — which is now recognised as a criminal offence in NSW. Learn more about coercive control: 🔗 https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/coercive-control 📖 Read the full article: 🔗 https://amp.abc.net.au/article/105365544 If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: If you are in an emergency, please call 000 1800 RESPECT (available 24/7): 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au Free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and DFV Link2Home (9am-10pm daily): 1800 152 152 Information and referral helpline for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless Lifeline (available 24/7): 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463 Call, chat or text available
![💡 Important read on financial abuse and the child support systemA recent ABC article highlights how some parents are able to manipulate the child support system with little to no consequences — leaving mothers to shoulder the burden."We've certainly had complainants who said to them that this made them feel very unsafe, and they in fact withdrew from processes … rather than … [seek] to pursue unpaid child support." ombudsman Iain AndersonThe issue is compounded by a tax system that assumes all payments have been made, even when they haven’t.This is a form of financial abuse, a key element of coercive control — which is now recognised as a criminal offence in NSW. Learn more about coercive control:🔗 https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/coercive-control📖 Read the full article:🔗 https://amp.abc.net.au/article/105365544If you are in need of support, please reach out.Family and domestic violence support:If you are in an emergency, please call 0001800 RESPECT (available 24/7): 1800 737 732https://www.1800respect.org.auFree and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and DFVLink2Home (9am-10pm daily): 1800 152 152Information and referral helpline for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homelessLifeline (available 24/7): 13 11 14https://www.lifeline.org.auRelationships Australia: 1300 364 277NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463Call, chat or text available](https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/503642933_1116558283830911_7495012557823497546_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p720x720_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=kLY36SAb38kQ7kNvwGQeKjG&_nc_oc=AdkNIymmUKwiMFcvhE8gRvYrScvchUx_XgkVixAfrjf0WY2uS7j0BmdwfHzKtU8np3E&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&_nc_gid=947vzr2nkEY_yT_Akh-SOA&oh=00_AfNjB1KWytFWz6AYAPkdcfp0ZIw97F4OHmWrrIEYcmZfSA&oe=685A8EF5)
Women’s Community Shelters accommodates 220 women and children every single night. In 2024, that totalled almost 67,000 nights of safety for 1606 women and children. The vast majority of what we do is to develop and open new shelters and safe beds, a vital work that we know saves lives and build bright, new futures. If you would like to help us, donate to our EOFY appeal here: https://bit.ly/EOFY_women_escaping_violence
🏠 Safe beds save lives. Your donation can create more. In the last twelve months, the number of women seeking assistance from Women's Community Shelters grew by 20% 📈. We’d love to say yes to helping everyone, but we were forced to turn away 1 in 2 of those women. We simply didn’t have enough safe places for them to go 🛏️. The vast majority of what we do to develop and open new shelters and safe beds is supported by kind donations like yours 🧡. We need your help to do more of this vital work that we know saves lives and builds new, bright futures ✨. 🙏 Please donate today and create a night of safety 🌙—which can be the start of a whole new life: https://bit.ly/EOFY_women_escaping_violence Don’t forget, every donation over $2 is tax deductible. #EOFY #EOFYdonations #EOFYcharity
Annabelle reacts | NSW Budget 2025 📢 Responding to The Daily Telegraph article, “NSW Budget: More lawyers, prison guards, and victim support in justice system spend,” our CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM highlights the urgent missing piece: "Accessing safe crisis, transitional and long-term housing is the key need for women leaving violence every day in New South Wales." While investment in the justice system is welcome, we stand with our peak body, Domestic Violence NSW, in calling for a 50% base funding increase for these vital services. Against a housing crisis, it’s needed now more than ever.
“Please join me in supporting this important work that saves lives.” — Jennifer Robinson We're proud to have the support of esteemed human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, who has successfully represented high-profile clients like Julian Assange and Amber Heard. In this video, Jennifer shares the personal story of her grandmother — a story that inspired her path into human rights law and underpins her support for Women’s Community Shelters. Watch now to hear why Jennifer is standing with us to provide safety for women and children escaping domestic and family violence 🧡 Donate today to help us open more doors to safety: https://bit.ly/EOFY_women_escaping_violence
We are delighted to be partnering with @Women & Leadership Australia as Advocacy Partner for the Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium, Sydney. The Symposiums bring together leaders and senior decision makers from all sectors and industries for a powerful day of connection, inspiration and learning. Find out more at: https://www.wla.edu.au/sydney/ #WLASymp #WomensLeadership #Inspiring #Leadership #Event
🎙️ “The more we raise awareness around domestic and family violence, the more women and children raise their hands for help. And services like ours across the state want to be there to catch them when they do.” – Annabelle Daniel OAM, CEO of Women’s Community Shelters, speaking on 2SM radio. In this important interview, Annabelle joins the call from Domestic Violence NSW for increased government funding to ensure no one is turned away when they reach out for safety and support. 🧡 If you’d like to make an impact this End of Financial Year, donate to our campaign: https://bit.ly/EOFY_women_escaping_violence Every donation helps us be there when it matters most.
🚨 We’re hiring! Manager – Practice Excellence and Service Innovation Women’s Community Shelters is looking for someone who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about making a genuine difference in the lives of women and children. 📍 Apply now via EthicalJobs: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/WCS/manager-practice-and-skill-development 📩 Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with your network. About the role: tep into a leadership role that is at the heart of transforming service delivery for Women’s Community Shelters (WCS). As the Manager - Practice Excellence and Service Innovation, you’ll be instrumental in standardising and continuously improving our services across the WCS network. This position is not just about maintaining compliance with the WCS Practice Framework and accreditation standards, but also about driving innovation and excellence in how we deliver services. Responsibilities: 🧡 Identifying trends and conducting thorough case reviews to implement service enhancements that elevate the quality of our support 🧡 Championing the inclusion of client voices 🧡Developing and leading forums to promote best practices Why join us? ✔️ Innovative Environment ✔️Purpose-Driven Work ✔️Flexible Work Options ✔️Additional Benefits ✔️Personal Growth ✔️Impactful Role
Earlier in May, the NSW Police Force revealed that over 160,000 domestic violence incidents were reported in the past year — an average of 438 every single day. Behind every statistic is a person. That’s why Women’s Community Shelters is here. We also know the real number is higher as many incidents still go unreported by fear of revenge from the perpetrator, fear of making the violence worse and fear of consequences. Read the NSW Police Force statement here: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/article?id=118509 If you or a friend is in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: If you are in an emergency, please call 000 1800 RESPECT (available 24/7): 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au Free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and DFV NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463 Call, chat or text available Link2Home (9am-10pm daily): 1800 152 152 Information and referral helpline for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless Lifeline (available 24/7): 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
National Reconciliation Week begins today. 27 May to 3 June is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The theme of National Reconciliation Week this year 'Bridging Now to Next' - which reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future, and calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. At WCS we’re proud to be guided by Danielle Jolliffe, our First Nations Partnership and Outcomes Manager, who is leading vital work across our services to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children, who represent 25% of our crisis shelter residents. Find out more about National Reconciliation Week here: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/publication/what-is-national-reconciliation-week/
On National Sorry Day, we remember and acknowledge the Stolen Generations and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. Today marks the 28th anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in 1997, a landmark truth-telling process, bringing to light the extent of Australia’s Stolen Generations history, and sharing this with the nation. National Sorry Day’s theme for this year, ‘We cannot wait another generation’ highlights the urgency of acting on priority Bringing Them Home recommendations. Together, let’s honour truth, support healing, and commit to meaningful change.
It’s Volunteer Week, and we want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful volunteers across our Shelter Network and at the Hub 🧡 You give so generously—your time, your talents, your energy—and you go above and beyond to help bring our vision to life: an Australia where women are safe, secure, supported, and equal. We truly couldn’t do what we do without you 🧡#community
There were tears, and laughter, when our team came together with partners, Government, community groups and past clients at the opening of our transitional housing for older women in the Lake Macquarie region. Support Worker, Michelle and Director of Housing, Jen were spotted after the event, taking a rare moment to sit down together and celebrate the amazing work of so many to turn this disused aged care facility into a safe haven 🧡
Women’s Community Shelters is establishing a new crisis accommodation shelter in the Liverpool LGA and invites you to join us to learn more about the issue of domestic and family violence in the Liverpool area and how you can be part of a solution. Hear from Annabelle Daniel OAM, Women’s Community Shelters CEO and other key local stakeholders on the problem and how you can help. Join us Wednesday 28 May 5.30pm - 7.30pm at Hunts Hotel. Register here: https://womenscommunityshelters.supporterhub.net.au/pages/rsvp-community-forum-liverpool-lga
"I was devastated at the time. I didn’t know what I was gonna do — the stress was incredible.” Jan Allen, who was 79 when she found herself homeless. Jan was referred to Allawah House, a 'meanwhile use' property providing safe, affordable housing for women over 55 experiencing homelessness and/or domestic and family violence. Allawah House is part of a wonderful partnership between Women’s Community Shelters and Pacific Link Housing — proving what’s possible when we work together to address the housing crisis. 🌿 That same partnership has now created a property in Lake Macquarie, offering more women the safety and dignity they deserve. Everyone deserves a place to call home. Watch the clip here: https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2025/05/16/new-facility-opens-in-lake-macquarie-to-provide-temporary-housing/
Older people and people with disability can experience coercive control in different ways. This may include: 🔸 a carer, family member or partner controlling their money 🔸limiting their social life or making all their decisions for them 🔸threatening to withhold disability supports or medication. Coercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares, or isolates another person to control them. It’s domestic abuse and can cause serious harm. Coercive control isn’t always physical. It can include restricting your access to basic needs like food and disability supports. It's deliberate. Learn more about coercive control at nsw.gov.au/coercive-control/disability-and-older-people or on @nswdcj If you or someone you know is in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: If you are in an emergency, please call 000 ⚪1800 RESPECT (available 24/7): 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au Free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and DFV ⚪Link2Home (9am-10pm daily): 1800 152 152 Information and referral helpline for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless ⚪Lifeline (available 24/7): 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au ⚪NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463 Call, chat or text available ⚪ For information, support or to report abuse of older people and adults with disablity in their family, home or community call the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission on 1800 628 221 (M-F 9-4)
Celebrating the opening of our new 'meanwhile use' property, with Jodie Harrison MP, Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. This property will welcome women over 55, the fastest growing cohort of homeless Australians experiencing homelessness or leaving domestic and family violence. "Women's Community Shelters is proud to be standing beside cherished partners in opening a new safe haven for older women at risk of homelessness, and to be working with the Lake Macquarie community for the first time. Women will access safety, housing and critical supports they need for a secure future. “We are specialists in creating environments that are welcoming, trauma-informed and safe, to help women take their next steps towards independence and recovery. We are grateful to our long-term friends and allies, Temple & Webster , who have donated beautiful furniture for all 20 bedrooms and common spaces, and to the many local community groups who generously helped assemble the furniture and ready the property for residents. “Our long-established model of revitalising vacant properties and turning them into safe and supported housing brings together the best of collaboration between the NSW Government, community housing providers including Pacific Link Housing, Women's Community Shelters, corporate partners and the local community. This is our fifth safe haven for women created from a 'meanwhile use' property, and every night we now provide safety and support to more than 70 women over 55. The outcomes for our residents are outstanding - with 80% of residents moving from our properties directly into their own affordable, long-term home. “We thank the NSW Government for embracing our ‘meanwhile use’ housing model as a pragmatic and immediate response to NSW’s housing crisis, and we look forward to opening more of these life-changing homes for women, where they can thrive with the respect and care they deserve." Annabelle Daniel OAM, Women's Community Shelters CEO.
Who are the victims and offenders of domestic violence in NSW❓ 📊 Data recorded by the NSW Police in 2023 shows: - 1 in 10 victims of domestic assault are young people - 3 in 5 are women - Aboriginal women are 8 times more likely to be recorded as a victim. The same report shows; - 1 in 10 domestic assault offenders are young people - three quarters of offenders are men - 7 in 10 incidents of domestic assault results in legal action. Source: https://bocsar.nsw.gov.au/topic-areas/domestic-violence.html #DVPM2025 #awareness
What a fantastic initiative! There is a great list of things men can do included in this article, and WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel would also add a few more >> check our slides. Read full article here: https://perthisok.com/news/may8-new-national-day-calls-on-aussie-men-to-step-up-in-the-fight-against-domestic-violence/
Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at WCS 🧡 Today, we celebrate the incredible mums and mother figures in our community and beyond. We also honour the strength, courage and resilience of the women in our Shelter Network who are facing domestic and family violence and homelessness. We stand with you today and every day.
Today, 7 May is National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day in Australia. Every time a woman or a child has been killed in Australia, it sends shockwaves that are deeply felt by families and friends, frontline workers and communities left asking – how did this happen again? For those of us who work in the sector, these deaths NEVER, EVER become ‘just part of the job’. Each one matters. Every one is a life worth fighting for. Let us honour the lives lost not just with candles or words, but with action, accountability, and sustained commitment.
We’re in the news. 📰💔 Women’s Community Shelters and Parramatta Women's Shelter were featured in the Parramatta Advertiser this week, speaking to the growing demand for crisis accommodation. While the article highlights Cumberland Council’s donation of mobile phones to DV Safe Phone, it also draws attention to a heartbreaking reality—our shelters are full, and staff are being forced to turn away women and children escaping violence. The crisis is real.
1 in 4 Australians believe a woman who doesn’t leave an abusive partner is partly responsible for the abuse continuing. That belief is part of the problem. Leaving isn’t simple. Fear, finances, kids, nowhere to go—these are just some of the reasons. If you want to help, start by challenging myths like this. Share this message. Speak up. (Source statistic: 2021 National Community Attitudes Survey)
When our Director of Education brings Walk the Talk to her own high school, it’s always something special. Add the Principal, Assistant Principal, and 200 passionate Year 10 girls—and it’s pure magic. And when those students already have big plans to support Parramatta Women's Shelter? Our hearts are full 🧡
📢 Over 1 in 4 women — that’s 2.7 million — have experienced family and domestic violence since the age of 15. Domestic and family violence doesn’t discriminate. It happens in every culture, every age group, every postcode. But gender is the biggest risk factor. 💔 Women and children are most at risk — often from current or former partners. And it’s not always physical. DFV includes controlling, dominating, humiliating or frightening behaviours. Let’s keep talking about it 💬 -- If you (or a friend) are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support helplines: 1800 RESPECT (available 24/7): 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au Free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and DFV Link2Home (9am-10pm daily): 1800 152 152 Information and referral helpline for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless Lifeline (available 24/7): 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463 Call, chat or text available If you are in an emergency, please call 000 #EndDV #DomesticViolenceAwareness
Today marks the beginning of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. We light a candle in memory of every woman and child whose life has been tragically taken by domestic and family violence. Despite being recognised as a national crisis, women are still murdered at an alarming rate. t’s a stark reminder that urgent, collective action is still needed. Our mission at Women’s Community Shelters is that communities we work with across Australia are empowered to respond to and prevent DFV and homelessness so that women and children are safe, secure, supported and equal. Our work includes education and prevention; early intervention; crisis and transitional accommodation and wrap around support; outreach support and recovery; and advocacy. We support women of all ages, at all stages of their journey, and their accompanying children. Walk alongside us and be part of the solution.
"Forbes women’s shelter still struggling for funding one year after Molly’s death" — The latest article in The Daily Telegraph sees WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM highlighting the difficult realities facing women’s refuges. At WCS, we are supporting women and children up against the back of increasing housing inaffordability … women need to be supported to look at 60-70 rentals before they get a look in and all that increases the workload. Read the full article here: bit.ly/4cZ9iqi
1 in 2 women are turned away from shelters. At Women's Community Shelters, we want to create more shelters to meet the growing number of women and children escaping domestic and family violence. Why are shelters so important? A crisis shelter gives women and children the security and support they need to escape violence and rebuild their lives. Walk alonside us and give a family a safe future.
We know that domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness. That’s why we’ve submitted a response to the Draft NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025–2035 — to help create better outcomes for women and children who are victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Our advice is based on: - our service delivery experience over the past 14 years - our broad engagement with the communities in which WCS operates - the voices of women who have accessed the services and supports provided across the WCS Network Read our full submission here: https://bit.ly/WCS-response-2025
We're hiring >> Are you a creative and strategic communicator looking to make a difference? Women's Community Shelters (WCS) is seeking a Communications Lead for a 3-month contract to support our team through an exciting period of change and growth. For more details about the role and to apply, visit: https://www.seek.com.au/job/83602085?ref=cm-ui Apply Now. Applications are reviewed as they are received. Interviews will be held in late April/Early May 2025.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for a powerful morning exploring how the law continues to silence women — a vital conversation between esteemed human rights barrister Jennifer Robinson and our CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM, expertly hosted by journalist and WCS Ambassador Sarrah Le Marquand. We’re so grateful to everyone who made the event so memorable, including: ✨ Jennifer, Annabelle and Sarrah for your insight, courage and advocacy 🎨 Jade Akamarre and Pwerle Gallery for the stunning donation of Dreaming in my Grandmother’s Country for our silent auction 🤝 Julie White (WCS Chair) and Laura McMillan (WCS Board Member) for your support and leadership 💛 The Macquarie Group Foundation (@MacquarieGroup) for your generous support in making this event possible 📸 And Kirsten Delaney Photography for capturing the morning so beautifully We hope this event sparks more conversations around the ways the legal system is silencing voices and the devasting effects on victim survivors.
