Parramatta Women’s Shelter (PWS) is reminding the community that their door remains open for anyone who needs a safe place to stay during the lockdown.
Whilst stay at home orders are in place for Greater Sydney, exemptions are granted to those “avoiding injury” or “escaping risk of harm”.
Following Sydney’s March to May lockdown last year, domestic violence statistics in Australia significantly spiked, as a result of COVID-19 related restrictions, unemployment and financial stress.
Parramatta Women’s Shelter Co-Chair Liz Scully said it was a full house during lockdown last year.
“When restrictions started to lift, there was also an uptick in mums reaching out for support,” she said.
“Our message to women living with domestic and family violence is that help is available now, and it’s OK to leave your home during the lockdown to escape violence.”
PWS launched a new-look logo recently and say it aims to reinforce that help is available for women and children locally.
Co-Chair Caitlin Carpenter said PWS is focused on supporting new beginnings for vulnerable families, including women and children experiencing domestic violence.
“It has been just over 18 months since we first opened our doors,” she said.
“As we look to the future, we’re all about making sure that we can keep the welcome mat out for people in need.”
Ms Carpenter said it is possible for people to escape domestic and family violence during the lockdown and said help is out there for those who need it.
Part of the Women’s Community Shelters network, Parramatta Women’s Shelter provides crisis accommodation, casework and outreach support to families in transitional housing through the Pathways Home program.
The Shelter currently operates from two large local homes generously made available for use by the PAYCE Foundation.
The service has developed a specialisation in supporting families with three or more children and families with teenage sons.
For assistance in finding accommodation at refuges including Parramatta Women’s Shelter, contact Link2Home on 1800 152 152.
If you or someone you know is in danger, please call 000 or the Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63.
To donate, visit givenow.com.au/parramattawomensshelter.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.