Crisis accommodation, confidential support and advocacy for lone women and women with children escaping family and domestic (FDV).

South West Refuge Inc

“ Behaviour which results in physical, sexual and/or psychological damage, forced social isolation, economic deprivation, or behaviour that causes the victim to live in fear.”Excerpt from Department of Child Protection Webpage 2012

Family and domestic violence refers to the use of violence and abuse by one person in a relationship to create fear and to control another person.

Definition of Domestic and Family Violence

Some Statistics• Physical or sexual violence is a public health problem that

affects more than one third of all women globally according to a new report. “These findings send a powerful message that violence against women is a global health problem of epidemic proportions,”Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General, World Health Organisation(WHO)20 June 2013

• Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) is the most common form of assault in Australia today.

• The National Council To Reduce Violence Against Women And Their Children has estimated the cost of domestic violence to the Australian community is around $13.6 billion per year (2011)

Continued..

• Domestic violence is the number one driver of homelessness in Australia ( Bob McColl ABS Statistician 2012).

• In Western Australia FDV is the leading contributor to preventable death of women.

• Nearly 50% of people know someone who is affected by family and domestic violence.

Children and Family/Domestic Violence• Violence in the home poses a threat to children’s physical,

emotional, psychological, social, educational and behavioural wellbeing (McGee 2000; Morgan & Chadwick 2009; Richards forthcoming; Tomison 2000; Tucci et al. 2005; Zerk, Martin & Proeve 2009).

• It is estimated that in 30% to 60% of families where domestic violence is a factor, child abuse is also occurring (Edleson 1999).

• A national study of young people found that around one quarter of young Australians (aged 12 – 20) have witnessed domestic violence. National Crime Prevention, Young Australians and Domestic Violence (2001)

What is the role of South West Refuge?• South West Refuge provides crisis accommodation,

confidential support and advocacy to individual women and women with children who may be at risk of or experiencing family and/or domestic violence (FDV).

• We also offer support and advocacy through the Safe at Home Program and FDV Outreach.

• Our transitional housing units support women and their children who are leaving the Refuge but are not yet able to access more permanent housing.

Continued..• Our service area covers the South West Region, an area of

approximately 24,000 square kilometres.

• We have been supporting the South West Community for nearly 25 years.

• We provide advocacy and support through a culturally appropriate case management model that seeks to empower women to make choices and to link them to other agencies that provide specialist services.

• Our Child Care advocate supports women staying at the Refuge by providing child care so the women can attend appointments and child advocacy to support children on their journey.

Safe at Home Program

• Safe at Home aims to prevent homelessness by keeping women and children safe in their home after the perpetrator has left or been removed if it is safe to do so.

The Service offers:• Confidential specialised advocacy• Assessments/home security audits and upgrades, personal

safety planning• Information, transport and support• Referral to specialised services

Some Important FDV Contacts

Emergency 000Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 007 339Kid’s Helpline 1800 551 800Crisis Care Unit 1800 199 008Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 599South West Refuge 9791 2894