As Christmas approaches, it’s important to shed light on the spikes in domestic violence and abuse that often accompany the holiday season. The combination of closed safe places like schools and work, heightened alcohol use, and added financial strain can escalate existing patterns of abuse.
What should be the most wonderful time of year, becomes the most dangerous for far too many women and children, a time of intense fear and dread, with little or no escape from violence and abuse.
Support from Women & Children First
Operating on the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore of Sydney, Women & Children First plays a critical role in supporting local women and children escaping domestic and family violence through their refuge and integrated wraparound care. Their critical services include specialised child-centred casework, family counselling, relationship and parenting education programs, financial assistance, housing advocacy, and employment support.
Women & Children First takes a long-term, holistic approach to care, offering at least two years of support and ensuring women and children are provided with the right environment, services tailored to their individual needs and the tools needed to help them heal and rebuild.
Anna’s Story
A year ago, Anna* made the terrifying decision to leave an abusive husband and the father of her precious four-year-old daughter, Eva*. Years of psychological, emotional, and financial abuse had taken their toll, prompting Anna to break free.
Anna says: “The silent treatment, emotional turmoil, and financial coercion had become unbearable. It had started off quite subtle – withholding affection as punishment; not telling me what I’d done wrong and expecting me to apologise constantly – but eventually turned into belittling and bullying me, even in front of Eva.”
Effectively homeless and desperate, Anna was referred to Women & Children First. “We stayed in their refuge for a month, and I can honestly say, it became the turning point for my recovery and rebuilding of mine and Eva’s lives” says Anna. “Beyond safety and accommodation, I’ve gained so much knowledge, independence, confidence and strength since meeting the team.”
Women & Children First not only provided a safe shelter for Anna and her daughter but also wrapped them in an emotional, legal, and spiritual blanket of advice, advocacy, education, and support. The team then stood by Anna as she navigated the aftermath of the abuse, helping her make sense of the complexities of the family law system and providing the emotional support needed to face the challenges ahead.
Rebuilding lives with your support
After applying for nearly 40 apartments, Anna finally found a rental unit earlier this year, bringing her closer to friends and family. Women & Children First didn’t stop at helping Anna secure housing; they worked tirelessly to ensure she had the financial and emotional support needed. “Without the support of Women & Children First, my daughter and I wouldn’t be where we are today” she says.
Eight months since leaving the refuge, Anna and Eva are settled and safe, continuing to heal and rebuild their lives. “Today, Eva and I have a happy, compassionate home, free from abuse and toxicity. Every night, as she peacefully sleeps, I reflect on the life-changing day I left. Would I make the same decision again? Absolutely. A life free from control and abuse is a healthier and happier life” Anna says.
A call for support this Christmas
Anna’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of Women & Children First, providing vital support and care to women and children in their darkest hours. But with their resources already stretched (they’re only funded by the government for 25% of the women and children they support) they’re reaching out to the Northern Beaches community to ask them to donate to their Christmas appeal which will provide safe shelter and wraparound care for the families living in their crisis accommodation over the holiday period.
With the goal of providing 154 nights of emergency shelter and wraparound care, Women & Children First aims to ensure that Christmas is filled with love, not fear for every family in their care.
Together, the community can make this vision a reality and offer safety, healing, and the opportunity for a brighter future to more families like Anna and Eva.
???? $50 provides a sim card and credit for a safe phone, connecting women and children to family and friends over the holidays.
???? $100 provides groceries for a special Christmas lunch for a mother and her children.
???? $204 ensures one night of safe accommodation and wraparound care for a family in our refuge.
Donate today at https://christmas.wacf.org.au/
*Names changed for privacy and safety