Group appeals for life saving shelter

EVERY week a woman is murdered by her partner in Australia.

From left, Lucy Dean, Christina Curry and Sophie Panigirakis are appealing for help finding a shelter. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu.

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EVERY week a woman is murdered by her partner in Australia.

But in the Bayside Council area victims of domestic violence have nowhere to seek sanctuary.

Bayside Women’s Shelter is appealing to kind-hearted landlords to change that.

“We had hoped to have set up a shelter by now,” volunteer Sophie Panigirakis said. “But, as you can imagine, trying to find affordable properties around here is very difficult.”

The group formed after the Southern Courier reported on a community forum in 2016 where women told of their horrifying experiences of domestic violence.

Members are now appealing for landlords to offer them unused premises for free or for a peppercorn rent.

From left Sophie Panigirakis, Lucy Dean and Christina Curry. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Ideally it would have six plus bedrooms as well as common areas, multiple kitchens, bathrooms and office space.

“It will save lives, it’s as simple as that,” Ms Panigirakis said.

“There is nowhere in this area for victims of domestic violence to escape. We have heard stories of women having to sleep in their cars.”

Christina Curry, the group’s chairwoman and also a Bayside councillor, suggested manor houses, disused government buildings, old boarding houses or hotels could fit the bill.

The shelter would accommodate approximately 35 women per year, each staying for three months.

If you think you can help email [e-mail]. For more details and to donate visit baysidewomensshelter.org.