Touching tributes for Helen Oxenham OAM following her passing have been shared by SA’s state ministers

A trailblazing woman who sparked an anti-domestic violence revolution in our state in the 1970s has sadly passed away, with state ministers sharing their heartwarming tributes.

87-year-old DV survivor and pioneer activist Helen Oxenham at the parklands site near where a sculpture garden to commemorate DV victims will be built, photographed Saturday December 1, 2018 – pic AAP/MIKE BURTON

A trailblazing South Australian who launched the state’s first domestic violence women’s shelter over 40 years ago, has sadly died.

Helen Oxenham OAM died aged 93 on Monday.

In 1977, Ms Oxenham established Adelaide’s first women’s shelter in Christies Beach – along with Peggy Robinson, Josie Harvie and Connie Fraser – shortly after immigrating from Dublin, Ireland.

She studied Women’ Studies at Flinders University and was frustrated by the issues affecting women which included: unequal pay, unequal rights and continued marital abuse.

In February, Ms Oxenham received Onkaparinga Council’s most prestigious award, a Key to the City, for her lifelong efforts to help end domestic and family violence.

Her legacy now continues through the non-for-profit organisation, Spirit of Woman, and her daughter Heather.

Helen Oxenham OAM established the first women’s shelter in Christies Beach in 1977. On February 23, Mayor Moira Were presented her with a Key to the City at Civic Reception at Christies Beach Baptist Church. Picture: Supplied

Helen Oxenham was born in Cork, Ireland in 1930. Her childhood was plagued by domestic violence at the hand of her father, which prompted her lifelong work to support women who are experiencing family and domestic violence. Picture MATT TURNER.

Following her passing, state ministers and domestic violence organisations shared touching tributes about Mx Oxenham to social media on Tuesday.

Minister for Women Katrine Hildyard remembered Ms Oxenham as “fierce, beautiful, wise and kind”.

“As you have from the moment we met, you will continue to inspire me and give me strength,” she wrote.

“Helen was a relentless fighter for all that mattered, a woman with the most enormous heart and capacity for love.

“Who so beautifully honoured those whom we have lost to DV, who tirelessly generated awareness and understanding, who stood shoulder to shoulder with all who strive to prevent and eradicate DV, giving us strength.”

Helen Oxenham OAM and Katrine Hildyard MP from a tribute post for Helen on Facebook.

Helen Oxenham OAM with Chris Picton MP. Picture: Facebook

Health Minister Chris Picton described her as a “woman whose life has truly made a difference”.

“Helen has worked tirelessly for decades, raising money and donations to offer a safe haven to hundreds of women and children in SA – what an amazing woman – you will be greatly missed,” Mr Picton wrote.

“When she came to Adelaide in the 1950s she met many people who had intimate experience of domestic violence. She was determined to help.

“Because of her actions – the lives of countless women and children were made better or saved.”

Social Services of Australia Minister Amanda Rishworth said she was “deeply saddened” by Ms Oxenham’s passing.

“Helen was a pioneer and an incredible advocate. She spent her life supporting women and children experiencing family and domestic violence,” Ms Rishworth wrote.

“What an incredible woman our community has lost. Vale Helen Oxenham OAM.”

Ms Oxenham truly made a difference in her life. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Helen Oxenham was a trailblazer who will be dearly missed. Picture: MATT TURNER.

Adelaide-based domestic violence crisis centre Catherine House, said she will be “dearly missed”.

“Helen was an incredible woman who worked tirelessly across the Domestic and Family Violence sector,” they wrote.

“We will continue to follow Helen’s lead and advocate for not only the prevention of domestic and family violence but ensure women have access to crisis accommodation and support they need to feel safe.

“We are sending all our love to her family, particularly her daughter Heather that has also worked tirelessly in this space.”

Women’s violence advocate group Pay Our Respects said Ms Oxenham has “left an incredible legacy”.

“A resilient woman who relentlessly dedicated her life to helping those escaping domestic violence,” they wrote.

“Every year Helen and her daughter Heather supported and attended Pay Our Respects events. “We will be that bit sadder to not have you in the flesh, but your spirit will be with us on those steps every year.”