LATEST NEWS
We would love to hear from our amazing community about why you've chosen to support Women's Community Shelters. If you're happy to be quoted, we'd love to hear from you! Please send us a message 🧡or send an email to Sandra: fnaqen@jbzrafpbzzhavglfurygref.bet.nh #WCSSupporters #womenscommunitysheltersau
WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM writes about a form of abuse we must start talking about – one that often goes unnoticed. It's called sleep abuse – and it's just as damaging as other forms of coercive control. 📰 In her powerful new article in Women's Agenda, Annabelle explores this hidden aspect of domestic violence and why raising awareness is critical. 👉 Read the full article below. #CoerciveControl #SleepAbuse #DVawareness
‘Experts said he does not appear to be mentally ill but reportedly concluded that he needed to feel “all-powerful” over the female body in assessments included in court documents.’ 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 #DFV
✨ For National Child Protection Week, we asked the incredible Child Support Workers across our Shelter Network one simple question: What makes you love what you do? Their heartfelt responses remind us of the passion and dedication that go into protecting and empowering children every day. 🙏 Thank you for the life-changing work you do 🧡 If you’d like to support our Child Support Program, donate here: https://womenscommunityshelters.supporterhub.net.au/donations/national-child-protection-week-donation
"Women's Community Shelters welcomes stronger and more flexible protections for victim/survivors of domestic and family violence." WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel AOM reacts to the article 'Stronger protections for victim-survivors of domestic violence in NSW to be introduced' published in Women's Agenda. #DFV
📢 40% of Australians report being exposed to domestic and family violence as children. With the right support, tailored to their unique needs, children can recover from developmental trauma and help break the cycle of violence. At Women’s Community Shelters, our Child Support Workers are dedicated to making this happen. Support our Child Support Program, which relies on donations and grants, by donating today: https://womenscommunityshelters.supporterhub.net.au/donations/national-child-protection-week-donation #NationalChildProtectionWeek #SupportChildren #DFV
A bequest, or legacy, can be the most important gift you ever give. By remembering Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) in your Will you are ensuring the future safety of vulnerable women, and their children, by helping provide additional and much needed crisis accommodation 🧡 If you would like more information, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Libby yvool@jbzrafpbzzhavglfurygref.bet.nh or visit our website: https://www.womenscommunityshelters.org.au/donations-more-info/#bequests
In 2024, three-quarters of the children supported by Women’s Community Shelters needed support due to family and domestic violence. Early trauma-informed intervention is crucial in helping children heal and reducing the risk of mental health issues as they grow. This is why our Child Support Program is so vital. Your donation can make a significant difference. To donate to this program: https://womenscommunityshelters.supporterhub.net.au/donations/national-child-protection-week-donation #NationalChildProtectionWeek #ChildSupportProgram #DFV
Check out what WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM has to say about Operation Amarok VII—a powerful initiative targeting domestic and family violence offenders. In a recent 'About Regional' article, she discusses the importance of educating high school students on respectful relationships and coercive control. Read full article here: https://aboutregional.com.au/police-allegedly-find-suspect-hiding-under-pile-of-clothing-illegal-gun-and-meth-as-part-of-statewide-operation/459148/ #coercivecontrol
CALL TO OUR COMMUNITY! Please vote for Jack Brighton as the Westfield Local Hero for his dedicated work with @Bayside Women's Shelter 🧡 About Jack’s work: Jack Broughton is a volunteer director at Bayside Women’s Shelter, a crisis accommodation refuge for women and children. With a background in information technology, Jack has implemented best practices in IT and cybersecurity at the shelter. His efforts have enhanced the shelter’s operational efficiency and improved its service. If Jack is successful, the 30k grant will be used to develop a community hub for the Bayside Women’s Shelter. This hub will provide resources for the shelter’s women to access education and opportunities. How to vote: Visit: 💻 https://www.westfield.com.au/eastgardens/news/3uuvw1FzrtGzhM10hk9yGZ/local-heroes-2024?srsltid=AfmBOoro90GkEKxfA6gIidTyO5KiT2faFfN-PmA4a3Xt53Z7EL21NkJp Find Jack and click VOTE NOW Thank you 🧡 #communitysupport
As National Child Protection Week continues, we’re proud to highlight the incredible dedication of our Child Case Workers in Shelters. Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing their powerful stories about why they’re committed to this vital work. Their dedication is truly inspiring. To support their efforts, please consider donating to our Child Support Program here: https://womenscommunityshelters.supporterhub.net.au/donations/national-child-protection-week-donation #nationalchildprotectionweek
Join The Sanctuary at their 'Serving Hope Gala Luncheon' fundraiser Wednesday 23 October in Barangaroo with Jelena Dokic as guest speaker. This luncheon is not just a meal; it’s a vital fundraiser to ensure our continued support for those in need. Your participation will help us sustain our essential services and support more women and children in their journey from crisis to stability. All details and link to book below.
🌟 Today marks the start of National Child Protection Week! 🌟 This year's theme is "Every child in every community needs a fair go" with a special focus on "Every conversation matters". We've been inspired by the stories shared by Child Support Workers across the Women’s Community Shelters Network about why they do what they do. Their dedication to making a difference in children's lives is truly wonderful. If you’d like to support the incredible work they do, please consider donating to our Child Support Program here: https://womenscommunityshelters.supporterhub.net.au/donations/national-child-protection-week-donation Together, we can make a difference 🧡 #NationalChildProtectionWeek #EveryConversationMatters #SupportOurChildren #WomensCommunityShelters #DFV
A Heartfelt Thank You to i=Change 🧡 We are deeply grateful to I=Change, their retailers and customers for their unwavering support over the past 7 years. Your generosity has empowered us to co-fund a new shelter each year, providing safe havens and essential support services for countless women and children facing homelessness, domestic and family violence. With over $300,000 donated annually, your impact has been nothing short of life-changing. Since 2017, together we've touched the lives of 6581 women and children, offering them safety, hope, and a brighter future, free from abuse. Thank you for walking this journey with us. #ThankYou #iChange #WomensCommunityShelters #MakingADifference #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #Empowerment
Vote for Jack Broughton nominated for Westfield Local Hero and you could help our Bayside Women's Shelter win 30K grant! About Jack’s work: Jack Broughton is a volunteer director at Bayside Women’s Shelter, a crisis accommodation refuge for women and children. With a background in information technology, Jack has implemented best practices in IT and cybersecurity at the shelter. His efforts have enhanced the shelter’s operational efficiency and improved its service. If Jack is successful, the money will be used to develop a community hub for the Bayside Women’s Shelter. This hub will provide resources for the shelter’s women to access education and opportunities. How to vote: Visit: 💻 https://www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes Select your local Westfields as East Gardens, find Jack and click VOTE NOW
In response to an SMH article which informs that ‘a North Coast mayor charged with domestic violence offences has lost his legal bid to keep his court case secret less than three weeks before he stands for re-election’, WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM says: “It’s heartening to see media outlets initiating their own action around suppression orders in cases where there are allegations of violence against women. The Magistrate’s comments here in respect of ‘public perceptions of the justice system’ are important because they speak to a shift in societal perceptions of domestic violence, and a growing belief across communities that accountability and visibility of those alleged to have used violence and abuse should be the norm.” #domesticfamilyviolence #DFV
People who use coercive control might use digital technology as part of their abusive behaviour. It’s called technology-facilitated (TFA) coercive control, or tech-facilitated coercive control. While it can affect anyone, women are more commonly identified as victims. Tech-facilitated coercive control is hard to spot because technology is such a big part of our everyday lives. A few examples of TFA coercive control includes someone: 🚩Making repeated abusive, threatening or unwanted messages or calls 🚩Tracking where you are 🚩Checking who you talk to online or over the phone 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 eSafety Commissioner: www.esafety.gov.au/report You can report the most serious online abuse and harmful content to eSafety. The eSafety website also has detailed information on tech-facilitated coercive control and on how to create an online safety plan. #coercivecontrol #DFV #domesticviolenceawareness
WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM is in the Parra News reinforcing that there is a strong connection between a woman's decision to leave an abusive relationship and a partner's inability to accept the decision. WCS works relentlessly to provide crisis shelters, transitional accommodations and wrap around support to women and children escaping domestic and family violence. We work community by community to establish an Australia where women are safe, secure, supported and equal. #domesticfamilyviolence #DFV
Amazing to see Lorna Jane Clarkson serving as a judge for the 2024 Executive of the Year Awards in Sydney. Her journey from revolutionising activewear to empowering women globally is nothing short of inspiring. We're especially thankful for her ongoing support of Women's Community Shelters, which truly reflects her commitment to making a positive impact on women's lives. Thank you, Lorna Jane, for being a force for good 🧡 Read the full article here: (Lorna Jane Active)
The Report of the Rapid Review Panel, titled ‘Unlocking the Prevention Potential,’ has been released. We've divided the report's findings and recommendations into two parts for easier reading. Yesterday, we shared Part 1, and today, we are excited to present Part 2. We highly recommend giving the full report a read. Domestic and Family Violence is a solvable problem. Read the full report here: https://www.pmc.gov.au/resources/unlocking-the-prevention-potential #DFSV #Domesticviolence
The Report of the Rapid Review Panel ‘Unlocking the Prevention Potential’ has been released. "In my view, its recommendations for next steps are clarion, innovative, joined-up and real, reflecting the challenges and opportunities practitioners in communities are seeing and working with every day. It’s also a cracker of a good read, and a welcome departure from the ‘bureaucratese’ that often invades government-speak around domestic, family and sexual violence, flattening the importance and urgency of the work. We must never lose sight of who this work is for - the victim/survivors, the people who love them and support them, and the Australian community." WCS CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM We have summarised it for you in two parts. This is part one. To access the full report: https://www.pmc.gov.au/resources/unlocking-the-prevention-potential #DFSV
The use of technology to perpetrate violence against women is a rapidly growing and serious problem. Nearly every woman seeking help is likely to be experiencing some form of technology facilitated abuse (TFA). This type of abuse is predominantly a form of gender-based violence and coercive control, manifesting through tech-based coercive and threatening behaviour. For more information about TFA visit the eSafety Commissioner website: https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/domestic-family-violence #TechnologyFacilitatedAbuse #coercivecontrol #DFV #domesticviolenceawareness #domesticviolence
WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM reacts to this ABC News article about a 50-year-old man who pointed a gun at his in-laws and shot a random motorist in Western Sydney in a domestic violence-related attack. The body of a man was later found at a creek in Auburn in the early hours of Wednesday morning. 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
'Domestic and family violence is a solvable problem!' WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM. 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 #domesticviolence #domesticviolenceawareness #DFV #domesticviolenceprevention
Our wonderful Walk the Talk team have reached a huge milestone. Last week we have delivered workshops at St. Columba's Catholic College and Wadalba Community School which means we have now worked with over 15,000 students! 15,000 students have learned about the nature and characteristics of relationship abuse and DFV, consent, how to seek help and how to be an ally. And 15,000 students have had the opportunity to engage their hearts, minds and energy in ongoing service-learning to support their local Women's Community Shelter. It truly makes our hearts sing when young people step up to be change makers in their local community. Thank you to all the schools who 'Walk the Talk' with us; your passion, commitment and support fuels our work 🧡 #domesticviolenceawareness
WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM reacts to "an extraordinary detailed article" published by The Guardian Australia , highlighting a concerning situation where children may be at risk. The article reveals that DCJ officers are often forced to prioritise just one call to the NSW child protection helpline, with Indigenous children being disproportionately affected. Read the article here: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/16/nsw-logged-112000-children-as-at-risk-of-serious-harm-last-year-it-has-no-idea-what-happened-to-84000-of-them-ntwnfb
Join us, and let’s have a brave and forward-thinking conversation! WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM is moderating this important discussion with Jess Hill Michael Salter and Angela Taft on 27th August as part of @La Trobe University Ideas & Society Program. The event is online. It will take place on August 27, between 5.00pm and 6.30 pm. Book your tickets here: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/events/all/ideas-and-society-program-domestic-violence-why-what-is-to-be-done2 #DFSV #domesticviolence #coercivecontrol #coercivecontrol
Join Great Lakes Womens Shelter's event in Sydney to hear exclusively from 2 of Australia's Athletic legends! 🗣️Exclusive Speaker Event with the Hon. Pat Farmer AM and Bonnie Hancock 📣 Hear about Pat's epic run from the North Pole to the South Pole and Bonnie's world record breaking solo paddle around Australia. ⛰️Meet two Great Lakes Women’s Shelter Ambassadors who will be competing at the Kathmandu Coast to Coast event in February 2025. Racing 240kms over two days, they’ll be raising much-needed awareness of domestic and family violence and funds needed to keep the shelter doors open. 📆Thursday 29 August 2024 ⏰ 5:45pm – 8:00pm 📍Macquarie Group, No. 1 Martin Place, Sydney 🎟️️➡️ Get your tickets here: https://glws.org.au/event-tickets-c2c
Tragically, a woman who confided in friends that she wanted to leave her boyfriend was found dead in a Sydney unit just days later. WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM says that 'once again, reports that the women killed in a suspected murder-suicide, ‘wanted to leave’ show us how dangerous ending an intimate partner relationship can be. Evidence tells us that the 12 month period following the end of a relationship can be high-risk for women experiencing coercive control.' 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
The movie adaption of the Colleen Hoover book, It Ends With Us, was released towards the end of last week. The book / movie depicts inter-generational domestic abuse as well as multiple instances of domestic violence between the two main characters. This film adaption is very much in news / lifestyle / female-skewed media. WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM reacts 'I urge media and popular filming-making to stop encouraging people to romanticise those who hurt us. As the recent NSW awareness campaign tagline says, ‘it’s not love, it’s coercive control’. Abuse is not romantic, no matter how nicely packaged it arrives. Domestic abuse and coercive control can rob you of your selfhood, your identity, your social connections and potentially your life. Abusers rarely step away with good grace when a relationship ends or when a survivor sets a boundary – in fact, that’s often when abuse intensifies or escalates. That’s one of the jarring disconnects depicted in the movie, particularly when it comes to children.' #DFV #DFVawareness #NotLoveCoerciveControl #CoerciveControl #DomesticAbuse
We are so excited to welcome Jen at WCS! Jen, our new Director of Housing brings over 20 years’ experience in the social service sector in senior management and governance roles predominately, in the Community Housing and Homelessness sectors and worked with vulnerable communities nationally and internationally. Jen has experience in the design, measurement and review of local and international projects, focused on housing, health, education and food security. This includes development of grassroots projects that support community design and delivery through to multi-million dollar social housing projects. Integral to the success of each of the projects was the inclusion of community engagement and feedback mechanisms to support best practice design and outcomes methodologies. Jen has overseen direct service delivery in Community Housing and the Homelessness sectors, including the delivery of crisis and transitional accommodation in specialised youth and domestic and family violence services. #domesticandfamilyviolence #housing #housingsolutions
Research shows that most women experiencing homelessness have never been homeless before, and A report released in August 2020 by HAAG and Social Ventures Australia finds that the number of older women at risk of homelessness in Australia is a staggering 405,000. Our Meanwhile Use housing in Beecroft, Gosford and Mosman provide housing for women over 55 who are experiencing homelessness as well as domestic and family violence. These houses bring a sense of security to those who may otherwise find themselves on the street. Your support can help us provide shelter for more women experiencing homelessness. #homelessness #homelessnessweek2024 #homelesswomen #domesticviolence #familyviolence
"It will never happen to me." This is something the women in our shelters thought, but one significant big event in your life - a family breakdown, a broken-down relationship, the loss of your job, the death of a partner - can leave a women homeless. Your support can help us provide shelter for more women experiencing homelessness. #homelessness #homelessnessweek2024 #homelesswomen #domesticviolence #familyviolence
The NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team has released a crucial report on deaths from domestic and family violence in NSW between 2000 and 2022. WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM emphasises the need for increased investment in primary prevention of and early intervention in domestic and family violence. But how do we achieve this? #domesticviolence #domesticviolenceawareness #primaryprevention #earlyintervention #NSW
A severe consequence of the increase in unaffordable housing is that the numbers of homeless women has continued to rise, from 49,017 in 2016 to 53,974 in 2021, and those numbers are expected to be more in 2024. Help them have a home by donating to WCS. #homelessness #HomelessnessWeek2024 #homelesswomen #domesticviolence #familyviolence
In the last census there was an increase of 6067 people considered homeless, 82% of those people were women. Why? Unfortunately, with more and more women leaving domestic violence situations, and the lack of affordable housing , there is nowhere for women and their children to go. This needs to change, by donating to WCS you can help us to provide shelter for those who have none. #homelessness #homelessnessweek2024 #homelesswomen #domesticviolence #familyviolence
According to the ABS Census there are 122,494 people every night experiencing homelessness. From that, 44.1% of those people are women! That is over 50,000 women a night who don't have a place to call home, and many of those would be as a result because of domestic violence. Help them find a safe home by donating to WCS. #homelessness #homelessnessweek #homelesswomen #domesticviolence #familyviolence
For some women the thought of being homeless is a better position than staying in a violent relationship. Homelessness for those escaping domestic and family violence can mean sleeping on a friend's couch, staying in a hotel, or even sharing a spare room. It means not having a permanent address. You can help us to provide safe shelter by donating to WCS. #homelessness #homelessnessweek2024 #homelesswomen #domesticviolence #familyviolence
The face of homelessness is changing. One of the leading causes of homelessness with women is domestic violence and with the shortage of rental properties women like these are finding themselves homeless. Homelessness can happen to any of us, at any time. You can help by donating to WCS. #homelessness #homelessnessweek2024 #homelesswomen #domesticviolence #familyviolence
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day is held every year on August 4th. It's an opportunity for the whole community to celebrate our children and each year, mob from all over the country host and attend events focused on kids, culture, family and community.
A massive thank you to Wests Tigers for inviting WCS to be the charity beneficiary of the 50-50 Charity Raffle for last night's game against the Cowboys, the Women in League round. Our COO, Neesha Eckersley was on field to be interviewed pre-game by the lovely Channel 9 Wide World of Sports commentator Marlee Silva which gave us the opportunity to talk to an audience of over 7000 people about what WCS does, what the support from West Tigers means and how rugby fans can get involved in helping raise awareness and support for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence. This partnership exceeded our expectations, not only were funds raised by the incredible group of volunteers, headed up by one of our own, Georgia, but we also had the exciting honour of doing the coin toss for the beginning of the game with the Captain of the West Tigers, Apisai Koroisau, Captain of the Cowboys, Tom Dearden along with Referee Chris Butler. And they let us keep the coin! Having the opportunity to be seen and heard in a predominantly male orientated sport environment was the perfect place for us to launch our new GameChangHer program, where sporting clubs, fans and players can come together to help raise funds and awareness for the work we do at WCS. A huge shout out to Kenneth Tuala, West Tigers Community Lead for making this all possible! Official NRL image courtesy of Gregg Porteous. #rugby #WomenInRugby #Community #domesticviolenceawareness #domesticviolenceprevention
The gorgeous bedding people @IN BED Store are doing a delicious fundraiser with all proceeds being donated to Women's Community Shelters. So if you want something yummy to eat, and have it go to a good cause then head down to their Paddington store this Saturday! Donations go to help women and children experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence. #fundraiser #community
