As domestic violence related incidents continue to increase, a new local shelter is providing a space for women and children to feel safe and supported.
Set to open next month, the Cumberland-based shelter will help address the “huge need” for more vital support services and accommodation for those facing homelessness and domestic and family violence.
Tania Smith, Executive Officer, Client Services at the shelter, said they are looking forward to beginning service provisions in the next few weeks.
“I’ve worked in the sector for 19 years in women’s refuges and we’ve been calling out for more spaces, so we welcome this initiative,” she told Parra News.
“We have a huge need, especially in our area, for the post-crisis accommodation support such as transitional housing, which gives women longer to be able to settle in to potentially engage in training and education and employment pathways, as well as to be able to heal from the trauma.”
A partnership between Women’s Community Shelters (WCS), Parramatta Women’s Shelter (PWS) and community housing provider Evolve Housing Limited, the new shelter has 11 units, providing a combination of three, two and one bedroom spaces for families.
Also supported by Temple and Webster, who has supplied everything from beds to lounges, Smith said the shelter has been designed to feel like a home.
“It’s a home, that’s our ethos in all women’s community shelters, is that we come from a trauma-informed perspective – all of our shelters are set up beautifully and the women and children can really start to feel their worth,” she continued.
“They deserve to be in beautiful spaces.”
The project has been partly funded through the NSW Government.
Smith says she’s grateful for the support of the NSW Government in the core and cluster method – a model that allows for independent living and privacy while also providing access to support – but believes there’s more that still needs to be done.
“We welcome the response from the NSW Government in terms of their investment for the new core and cluster services, but there is still a large need across the range of supports that women and children need,” she added.
“We need significant investment in prevention and early intervention, as well as crisis and post crisis healing and support.”
Smith is encouraging anyone who may be currently experiencing domestic or family violence to seek help.
“There are plenty of support services out there that can assist you with safety plans and help you move on to a safe life free of violence,” she said.
To find out more, go to http://www.womenscommunityshelters.org.au.
If you or anyone you know is in need or crisis, please call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline, on 13 11 14.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.