Domestic and family violence is a form of everyday terrorism that leads to chronic fear which builds up over the long term and can lead to significant trauma and negative effects on health and wellbeing.
The psychological and emotional control that result from fear are a key way in which domestic and family violence ‘works’: Keeping another person in a state of chronic fear does not require physical violence to be used all of the time, or at all.
After separation, fear often continues. Recovery and restoration are long processes. Abuse often continues after separation and leads to continuing or heightened fear. Trauma, an effect of chronic fear, may fully surface only after separation from the abuser.
Housing security goes to the heart of not only a victim-survivors freedom from abuse, but also their recovery and capacity to (re)gain control over their lives.
The purpose of the Safe Housing for Victim-survivors of Domestic and Family Violence Advocacy Group is to advocate for the Western Australian Government to fund secure, stable and long term social and affordable housing to promote the safety, wellbeing and best possible outcomes for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.
The Safe Housing for Family and Domestic Violence Survivors Advocacy Group brings together diverse knowledge, skills, and expertise to:
- Develop key asks to support safe, timely and affordable housing for survivors of domestic and family violence
- Develop an advocacy plan and timeline
- Form a coalition of support
- Implement an advocacy plan
Membership
Chair
Alison Evans, CEO, Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing
Secretariat
Darcee Schulze, Domestic and Family Violence Lead, Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing
Members
Laurel Sellers – CEO, Yorgum Healing Services
Keiran Dent – General Manager (Alliance, EIFSS, FDV), Wungening Aboriginal Corporation
Lorraine Pryor – Founder of Voice of Hope
Renna Gayde – Lived Experience Adviser
Kelda Oppermann – CEO, Zonta House Refuge Association
Petina Pitt-Lancaster – Gawooleng Yawoodeng Aboriginal Corporation
Mel Rowe – Manager, Orana House
Jennie Gray – CEO, Women’s Legal Services, WA
Ali White – CEO, South West Women’s Refuge
Russell Pratt – CEO, Desert Blue Connect
Leanne Barron – CEO Starick
Paula O’Leary – Head of Policy and Sector Development, Shelter WA
Amanda Hunt – Director, 54 Reasons, Western Australia
Justine Colyer – CEO, Rise
For further information on this group and how to support it, please email alison@cwsw.org.au
Family and domestic violence support and advice
- 1800RESPECT National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service: a national telephone and online counselling and referral service. Phone: 1800 737 732.
- Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline: provides telephone information and referrals for men who are concerned about their violent and abusive behaviours, and for male victims of family and domestic violence in Western Australia. Phone: 1800 000 599.
- Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline: provides support for women, with or without children, who are experiencing family and domestic violence in Western Australia (including referrals to women’s refuges). Phone: 1800 007 339.
- Crisis Care: provides Western Australia’s after-hours response to reported concerns for a child’s safety and wellbeing and information and referrals for people experiencing crisis. Phone: 1800 199 008.
- MensLine Australia: 24/7 support for men and boys dealing with family and relationship difficulties. Support for men who are concerned that their behaviour is hurting the people they care about. Phone: 1300 78 99 78.
- Sexual Assault Resource Centre: provides a range of free services to people affected by sexual violence. Phone: (08) 6458 1828 or free call 1800 199 888.
- Entrypoint Perth: is a free and voluntary assessment and referral service assisting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Western Australia to access accommodation and support options.
