Women’s refuge to open in Bayside but seeking tradies
A LIFE-saving women’s refuge will open after a landlord came forward with a property. But they are now appealing for generous tradespeople to donate their time to help renovate it with the intention to open within four months.
Southern Courier
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A LIFE-saving women’s refuge will open after a landlord came forward with a property.
The centre will be the only shelter of its kind in the Bayside area and will be capable of supporting around 30 women a year.
The team behind Bayside Women’s Shelter said it would save lives with domestic violence on the rise.
The group will have to pay rent on the property — the location of which is a secret — but they have been assured the site long-term.
They are now appealing for generous tradespeople to donate their time to help renovate it with the intention to open within four months.
“We are incredibly thankful for the generosity of our community, local businesses and Bayside Council who have supported our journey to open a much-needed shelter,” refuge chairwoman Christina Curry said.
“Our shelter model relies on financial and in-kind support of the local community to keep the doors open.
“If you would like to donate or get involved with our wonderful group of volunteers to help keep our shelter strong, please get in touch.”
Every week one woman is killed by a partner or former partner and in Bayside over the last five years domestic violence has gone up 5.4 per cent per year.
Annabelle Daniel, chief executive of umbrella group Women’s Community Shelters, said existing services can’t keep up with demand for crisis accommodation.
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“We are working with communities not just to provide extra support and crisis accommodation but also to educate and empower people to respond to these issues at the local level.”
The search for a Bayside shelter was launched after the Southern Courier reported on a community forum in 2016 where women told of their horrifying experiences of domestic violence.
To help, visit baysidewomensshelter.org.