The $500 barrier 8 in 10 DV victims face

Behind a nondescript door in inner Sydney lies a secret haven for more than 500 women and children fleeing family and domestic violence (FDV) each year.

The faded navy paint and CCTV camera perched above the intercom gives the shelter an appearance of an austere office, but for victims like Pheeramas Bunyalak - known as ‘Bams’ to her friends - there’s nothing business-like about what’s inside. It’s a sanctuary.

“The place here is so beautiful. It‘s so convenient. It’s so comfortable. You have your own bedroom... I never thought there’s a place existing like this,” she says.

Bams is among the voices calling for donations to enable the Salvation Army to improve its services that shelter women and children escaping violence.

66% went without meals because of a shortage of money.

Petra Jenkins - The Salvation Army‘s Family and Domestic NSW and ACT State manager - said funding was desperately needed to transform the charity’s homes into small units that allow victims privacy to heal, while also receiving on site support.

“Women are generally couch-surfing, they‘re staying with people that they wouldn’t normally stay with, they’re compromising themselves… they will justify it in their head to sort of say, well, I’ll do that, because I can have a roof over my head, which is the worst decision to have to be making.”

Petra Jenkins Salvation Army

A fresh start

Bams was able to reclaim her independence and dignity since escaping a violent partner two years ago through the charity. As a transgender woman, she says she never expected to be so welcomed by a Christian organisation, but is now one of the longest residents at the facility.

Still, increase in demand for the Family Violence Program has jumped from 33 calls a day to 100 calls, after the pandemic. The amount of people seeking refuge continues to increase.

WORDS: Olivia Caisley PRODUCER: Bianca Farmakis Read more

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The $500 barrier 8 in 10 DV victims face

Behind a nondescript door in inner Sydney lies a secret haven for more than 500 women and children fleeing family and domestic violence (FDV) each year.

“The place here is so beautiful. It‘s so convenient. It’s so comfortable. You have your own bedroom... I never thought there’s a place existing like this,” she says.

CALL S

I M P A C T

66% went without meals because of a shortage of money.

A fresh start

A fresh start

Still, increase in demand for the Family Violence Program has jumped from 33 calls a day to 100 calls, after the pandemic. The amount of people seeking refuge continues to increase.