LATEST NEWS
The strongest predictor of violent extremism in Australia isn't ideology. It's how someone was taught to see women. New research from the University of Melbourne tested attitudes across nine different measures — from incel ideology to religious extremism to left-wing radicalism. Across every one, a single factor came out on top: attitudes that excuse or minimise violence against women outweighed every other belief measured. This isn't happening somewhere out of sight. Teachers are seeing it play out in classrooms right now — in children as young as six and seven. Early intervention matters. Walk the Talk, our Respectful Relationships program, gives high school students the knowledge to build healthy relationships, understand consent, and recognise abuse — and a real way to act, by supporting their local shelter. Over 23,000 students have participated. 100% would recommend it. See more of the report findings in our post. It's exactly why we've been running Walk the Talk since 2019 → wcswalkthetalk.org.au
Planning for the future can also help create a safer future for women and children. 🧡 Writing a Will is something many of us put off, but it’s an important way to make sure your wishes are known and the people you love are looked after. This September, Women’s Community Shelters is partnering with Safewill to make it a little easier. From 1–21 September, you can write your Will online for FREE. The process is simple and guided, with a few straightforward questions to help you get started. Once you’ve provided for your loved ones, you can also choose to leave a gift to Women’s Community Shelters in your Will. Your gift can help us be ‘safe bed ready’ for women and children who need somewhere safe to sleep, breathe and call home. There’s no obligation to leave a gift to WCS. We’re simply offering this service as a thank you for being part of our community and supporting women and children. Write your Will for FREE → https://safewill.com/wcs
Helping women and children escape family violence, one bed at a time. A new article in realestate.com.au explores the deep, often hidden connection between homelessness and domestic and family violence — and what it takes to help women and children move from crisis to safety. Our Director of Housing, Sue Cripps, shares what we see every day across our shelters: women of every age and stage of life, often with a history of family violence sitting beneath the surface, even when it isn't the reason first given for needing help. It's a reminder that homelessness rarely has one simple cause, and support has to go far beyond a bed. The article also highlights the impact of A Home for All Foundation, whose $400,000 grant is helping fund a new community hub for women and children escaping violence at one of our newest projects in Sydney's inner west. We're grateful to A Home for All Foundation and the property industry for supporting practical solutions that create more safe places for women and children when they need them most. Read the full article here: https://www.realestate.com.au/news/helping-women-and-children-escape-family-violence-one-bed-at-a-time/
What would you take if you had to leave home quickly because it wasn’t safe? Yesterday, our Currawong Connect team joined Blaxland High School’s Student Wellbeing Day, inviting students to take part in an “escape bag” activity and think about what they would take with them if they suddenly needed to leave home. The answers sparked some really important conversations. Many students chose money, while others were surprised to learn that leaving home can also mean leaving a much-loved pet behind. For women and children escaping domestic and family violence, leaving isn’t always planned. Many leave with very little — sometimes without any money at all. Safety planning can help women think through what they need to take, including how they can keep their pets safe. We also asked students to write messages of hope for women and children staying in shelter. These messages will be brought together as an artwork — a powerful reminder that kindness, understanding and support can make a difference. Thank you to Blaxland High School for welcoming Currawong Connect back and creating space for these important conversations.
Today marks the first day of National Child Protection Week. This year’s theme, ‘Every Conversation Matters, Shifting Conversation to Action’, is a reminder that conversations can spark ideas, build understanding and encourage reflection — but meaningful change happens when those conversations lead to action. At Women’s Community Shelters, children make up more than 50% of the residents in our shelters. When a child arrives at a Safe Haven, they may have lost so much at once — their home, their school, their friends, their routine, and sometimes even their favourite teddy bear. A safe bed is where healing can begin. But what helps a child feel safe, supported and able to thrive is everything that comes after. That can be practical things like a school uniform, a new school bag or the stationery they need to walk through the school gates feeling like every other kid. These actions might seem small, but for a child experiencing such enormous change, they can make a world of difference. This National Child Protection Week, we’re shifting the conversation to action — because every child deserves to feel safe, supported and valued. 🧡 Want to learn more or take action? Visit Napcan National Child Protection Week resources to find practical ways to get involved.
💜 A very special milestone for Liverpool Women's Shelter On Friday, we celebrated the official opening of Ellara House — a new community-led crisis shelter supporting women and children experiencing domestic and family violence across South West Sydney. A huge congratulations to the Liverpool Women’s Shelter Board, team and incredible volunteers. What began as a community vision is now providing safety and support close to women and children’s communities, culture and support networks. We’re so proud to have Liverpool Women’s Shelter as part of the Women’s Community Shelters Network and to stand alongside them as they continue this important work. A special thank you to Camden Women’s Shelter, who stepped in to run the service during its first year and helped create strong foundations for Liverpool Women’s Shelter to take the next step. We also thank Homes NSW, Minister Rose Jackson and all the government and community leaders who joined us to celebrate this important day. And to Temple & Webster, thank you for your incredible generosity and continued support. Ellara House is the 15th shelter you have helped furnish, creating beautiful, welcoming spaces for women and children. 💜 To every community partner, business, philanthropist, volunteer and supporter who helped bring Ellara House to life — thank you. 📷 Luke Fuda
