LATEST NEWS
Could tiny homes help ease the housing crisis? With the housing crisis worsening, creative solutions like tiny homes and caravan parks are gaining attention as mentioned in a recent article on 7News. While they might work well for singles or couples— they might prove challenging for families. For women and children leaving domestic and family violence, we need to ensure safety needs are met in these enviroments. #Housingcrisis #HousingAffordability #leavingdv #DVawareness #DVprevention
Not every older person is safely housed in NSW. In particular, older women are amongst the fastest growing groups of people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness. WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM reacts to the AFR article titled ‘ NSW fast-tracks 6500 homes with new authority mentioning it is excellent to see the Planning Minister refer to the need to house families, workers and grandparents and the importance of recognising older women who don't own their homes number around 100,000 in NSW alone and face significant risk of homeless if they experience a crisis. WCS has dedicated transitional housing designed exclusively for women over 55 at our Beecroft House, Mosman House, and Allawah House properties. (Read the article here: https://eu3gbhyx3of.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Australia-housing-crisis_-NSW-government-fast-tracks-6500-homes-for-approval-from-Housing-Delivery-Authority-bypassing-council-red-tape_AFR_20250219.pdf) #housingsolutions #housingaffordability #housingcrisis #housingadvocacy #homelessness
Did you catch our incredible WCS Director of Education and Special Projects, Dannielle Miller OAM, on ABC Radio’s Conversations with Richard Fidler this morning? 🎙️✨ If you were inspired by what you heard about our Walk The Talk respectful relationships program, you can support it here: https://supportwalkthetalk.raiselysite.com/ (Podcast link in the comments) #healthyrelationships #WalktheTalkprogram #womenscommunityshelters
ABC explores how repurposing heritage buildings can help tackle Australia’s housing crisis. In our latest 'Annabelle Reacts', WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM shares her thoughts on the benefits of this approach and why we must work together to create more solutions for people in crisis or at risk of homelessness 🧡 One of our focuses at WCS is to find and provide more innovative housing solutions such as ‘meanwhile use.’ In short, utilising a vacant property that may be earmarked for future redevelopment while it’s empty. #HousingSolutions #DVawareness #DVprevention #housingcrisis #HousingAffordability #communitysupport
WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM is quoted in the Herald Sun article ‘Airbnb tax criticised for creating a roadblock for victims and services’ highlighting that more needs to be done for women seeking shelter especially when short stay accommodation is necessary and that the new tax should be revised. Read the Herald Sun article here: https://eu3gbhyx3of.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Airbnb_tax_imposed_on_victims_fleeing_domestic_abuse_-HeraldSun_20250213.pdf #DVawareness #DVprevention #housingcrisis #HousingAffordability #dvandhousing #coercivecontrol #financialabuse
Wonderful achievement, Congrats! Repost from @Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter 🧡 🎊 Congratulations to incredible Jess Teoh. NSW 2025 Young Woman of the Year Finalist. bJess is HKWS fabulous grants writer success story! And so much more… 💖 Jess has volunteered with HKWS for over 3 years. Not only is Jess HKWS Very successful HKWS grant writer, contributing significant funds for our work, she also volunteers at many HKWS events Jess is a 2023 Churchill Fellow, her project outlines what other countries are doing and recommendations to ensure that women presenting in early pregnancy are included in screening/routine enquiry for Domestic Violence 🌸 👩⚕️ Jess has recently commenced as the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. An exceptional achievement after an extremely competitive process lasting many years! We are just so absolutely proud of Jess. And from our hearts, we thank Jess for being herself. This honour is so well deserved! 👏
We should be able to consider ways for children to have their views heard in so basic a matter as their own safety. Read WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel's reaction to the article published in ABC News 'Inquiry calls for nationally consistent rules and better resources for family violence orders' which mentions that a parliamentary inquiry has recommended children be allowed to apply for their own protection orders. But rules around this vary across states and territories, with some kids being able to apply and some not. (COAG: Council of Australian Governments DFSV:Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence) Access the full article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-13/family-violence-order-court-changes/104933390 #DVprevention #DVawareness #Domesticandfamilyviolence #familyviolence #childrenvoicesmatter
Making it easier for survivors, not more difficult. WCS CEO Annabele Daniel OAM reacts to the article ‘Domestic violence tax, short-stay levy hits abuse victim’ published by the Herald Sun. Access the full article here: https://readnow.isentia.com/Temp/198235-1158757897/1056634185_20260213.pdf #DVawareness #DVprevention #housingcrisis #homelessness #coercivecontrol #financialabuse
The Ochre Ribbon Campaign is a community-driven initiative led by the Aboriginal Family Legal Services (AFLS) to raise awareness and take action against family and domestic violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Family and domestic violence continues to have a devastating impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. For Ochre Ribbon Week and the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, WCS stands with and calls for action to end the violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially women and children. #ochreribbonweek2025 #10yearsanniversaryofOchreRibbon #endDV #DVAwareness #Stopviolenceagainstwomen
Australia’s housing crisis needs more than talk—it needs action. WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel AOM shares her thoughts on this Sydney Morning Herald article, ‘The nation is finally coming to grips with home affordability.’ You can access the article here: https://eu3gbhyx3of.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SMH_AustraliaHousingCrisis_-NeedForActionOnHousingAffordability_20250212.pdf #housingcrisis #housingaffordability #homelessness #DVawareness #DVprevention
"I'm so incredibly excited to be working on something huge for Women's Community Shelters - our first foray into another state! Our Moonah House - Mornington Peninsula Women's Shelter is about to receive a big boost forward, and we are so happy! Providing housing pathways for women and children, out of domestic violence and homelessness, in partnership with communities is what we do. We can't wait to take huge strides forward in 2025. Thank you to our incredible local Board who have worked so hard and been so committed to bringing this to life." WCS CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM #DVawareness #DVprevention #DVandhousing #womenscommunitysheltersau #womenshelter
On Safer Internet Day, we’re highlighting the hidden dangers of tech-facilitated abuse. Every person’s experience of tech-based domestic, family and sexual violence is unique. Examples include: • harassing or threatening you online or with a digital device • sharing or threatening to share an intimate image or video of you online without your consent, also known as image-based abuse or ‘revenge porn’ @eSafetyOffice has published an online safety checklist to help: https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/domestic-family-violence/online-safety-checklist If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: If you are in an emergency, please call 000 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14\ Link2Home: (9am-10pm daily): 1800 152 152 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 #SaferInternetDay #DVPrevention #DVAwareness #TechFacilitatedAbuse #CoerciveControl
There are more than 410,000 women over 45, on low incomes who don’t own their own homes. WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM reacts to today’s SBS article ‘How Australia is 'failing' most retirees who rent — and putting them at risk of homelessness’. “In a triple crisis of housing affordability, housing availability and increasing construction costs, we need to be aware that these figures alone could create a tsunami of homelessness for women over the next decade. These women are often working in caring professions, including, aged care, disability services and other important work supporting communities. We need nation building investment in more housing that is truly affordable.” #Homelessness #womenhomelessness #housingcrisis
Make a difference this International Women’s Day! With domestic and family violence declared a national crisis—and 1 in 4 women experiencing violence from an intimate partner or family member—it’s more important than ever to take action. This IWD, invite a guest speaker who works on the front lines of gender-based violence to share their insights, experiences, and why their work matters. Let’s spark meaningful conversations and drive change together. To book a WCS speaker or for more information, contact Claire: pynver@jbzrafpbzzhavglfurygref.bet.nh #IWD #InternationalWomensDay #DVawareness #DVprevention
NEWS 📢 'Womens Community Shelters and Parramatta Women’s Shelter are absolutely delighted to be working with fantastic partners to support more secure housing for women. These amazing properties will provide safety, security and opportunity to women moving from our shelter network’s crisis and transitional accommodation. We highly value our collaboration with Hume Community Housing, all levels of government and local communities to solve housing challenges and deliver great affordable solutions for people who need them.’ Annabelle Daniel OAM, WCS CEO Read the full media release here: https://eu3gbhyx3of.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MR_Over-100-people-set-to-benefit-from-new-social-and-affordable-housing-development-in-Parramatta-as-construction-commences_HumeHousing.pdf 📷: Michael Cole
Key Board Updates at Women’s Community Shelters: Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) bids farewell to founding member Peter Hunt AM, whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping our organisation, and long-serving Board member Paul Say, whose expertise has significantly expanded our impact in transitional housing and affordable housing program. We are deeply grateful to Peter for over 14 years of dedication, co-founding WCS and pioneering our innovative “social franchise” model, which now supports 11 shelters and provides over 62,000 bed nights annually. Paul’s leadership in finance and property has been vital in strengthening our infrastructure and transitional housing portfolio. As we celebrate their outstanding contributions, we are thrilled to welcome Laura McMillan and Rachel Vincent to the Board. Their expertise in fundraising and property will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve to meet increasing demand. Read the full media release here: https://eu3gbhyx3of.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WCS-announce-key-staff-changes-PR-FINAL.pdf
What does DARVO look like? WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM breaks it down. DARVO is a technique used by many abusers. It is an acronym for: Deny Attack & Reverse Victim & Offender Many people who use abuse are experts in ‘flipping the script’ through projection, and to manage external perceptions. In coercive control, it can lead to the true victims being misidentified by systems. Everyone responding to DFV needs to be aware of these techniques and skilled to respond. Picture credit to @blcksmth on Instagram.
According to 'the homelessness and domestic and family violence, state of response report 2024', domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women, with 45% of all women and girls seeking homelessness assistance identifying family and domestic violence as a cause. Housing insecurity and homelessness also play a critical role in enabling, or preventing, women achieving safety. Lack of access to safe housing creates an enormous hurdle that prevents many women from escaping violence. If they do leave a violent home into homelessness, women often experience further violence. At WCS, we’re always seeking and implementing innovative housing solutions. #EndDV #DVawareness #DVprevention #DVandhousing #DVandhomelessness #solvinghomelessness #solvinghomelessnesstogether
Thinking about corporate volunteering for your team? 'Allies in Action' is a fun, fast-paced and highly interactive session that promotes teamwork, a deeper understanding of our work at Women's Community Shelters and provides tangible activities to support the women and children in our shelters. We've developed a corporate volunteer and team-building workshop in partnership with Team Building With Purpose—and we’d love to have you join us! For more information or to book a session, reach out directly to Team Building With Purpose here: https://teambuildingwithpurpose.com.au/womens-community-shelters/
A Guardian analysis of government data has found that in the 10 years to 2023, nearly 200 women over the age of 55 were allegedly killed in family violence related homicides, suggesting older women could be at dual risk – from partners and from their children, especially their sons. Read the full article in The Guardian Australia here: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/jan/27/older-women-killed-by-family-members-a-silent-crisis-no-one-is-talking-about-experts-say-ntwnfb #DVawareness #DVprevention #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #EndDV
"The housing crisis in Sydney, is not only an economic issue but a humanitarian one that disproportionately impacts women and children." WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM reacts to the latest The Sydney Morning Herald article about the Sydney’s housing crisis and highlights the work we do at WCS to expand housing opportunities for women leaving our shelters. Access the article here: https://eu3gbhyx3of.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/How-bad-is-Sydneys-housing-crisis-early-sign-of-economic-decline_SMH_24.01.2025.pdf #dvandhomelessness #housingcrisis #EndDV #DVprevention #DVawareness #DVandhousing #DVandhomelessness
Massive congratulations to Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter for this incredible and so well deserved award 🧡
✨ Huge congratulations to Julie Brady, Founding President of Great Lakes Womens Shelter, on receiving Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)✨ Awarded for her service to the community through social welfare organisations, this recognition is so well deserved. Thank you, Julie, for your incredible dedication and tireless work supporting women and communities. What an inspiring achievement! 👏🧡 #communities #helpingwomenandchildren #alltogether #womenscommunityshelters #EndDV #DVprevention #DVawareness
Women's Community Shelters in the news! Our COO, Neesha Eckersley, was quoted in ABC News, highlighting the urgent need for action: 💬 'Community organisations like ours are doing everything we can to meet the immediate need, but without further state and federal support, and swift action to reduce red tape, the lack of secure crisis accommodation options will only deepen' Read the full article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-27/women-domestic-violence-car-park-pilot-project-newcastle/104787868 #EndDV #DVprevention #DVawereness #homelessness #womenscommunityshelters
WCS Acting CEO, Neesha Eckersley responds to the ABC Australia article ‘NT government promises $180m in domestic violence funds will start flowing this month’. "Every day, we are confronted with the heartbreaking reality of turning away women and children who have made the courageous decision to leave abusive situations, simply because we lack the necessary resources to support them. The recent announcement by the Northern Territory government to commence the distribution of $180 million in domestic violence funding is a positive step. However, we are in a national crisis, as highlighted by the tragic deaths of nine women and a sista girl in the NT in recent months. This underscores the urgent need for timely and adequate funding to address the national domestic violence crisis effectively. We call upon both federal and state governments to prioritise the immediate allocation of resources to frontline services, ensuring that no woman or child is left without the support they desperately need." Read the article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-23/nt-government-180-million-dv-funding-jan/104848370 #DV #EndDV #DVprevention #DVawareness #womenscommunityshelters #EndViolence
A huge thank you to everyone who supported our CANTURI (Canturi Jewels) raffle. You helped raise much needed funds, helping us provide 51 nights of safety for a mother and her children which will include the wrap around support needed to help them live a life free of violence. Thank you to our wonderful raffle partner Canturi who very kindly donated the beautiful earrings. And again, congratulations to our wonderful winner!
Join Our Team: Manager – First Nations Partnership and Outcomes We’re looking for a dedicated leader to drive meaningful change for First Nations’ Peoples in need of Domestic and Family Violence support. As the Manager – First Nations Partnership and Outcomes, you will: ✅ Lead initiatives to improve access to support services across the WCS Shelter Network. ✅ Build meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal-led organizations. ✅ Enhance cultural competency and accessibility of staff and services. ✅ Develop resources that embed best practices for First Nations service users and staff. If you’re passionate about creating culturally safe and supportive environments, this is your chance to make a real impact. 🔗 Apply Now: https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/wcs/manager-first-nations-partnerships-outcomes?keywords=Women%27s%20Community%20Shelters Help us make a difference! #FirstNationsSupport #WCSCareers
Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA), including cyberstalking and the use of spyware and trackingdevices, is one of the fastest growing forms of domestic and family violence in Australia. According to the eSafety Commissioner, four in five Australian women and men have experienced, or are experiencing some form of technology-facilitated abuse. Most people presenting to a domestic violence service have some sort of surveillance technology attached to them; some services say it is 100 per cent. Follow these tips from the e-Safety Commissioner and find more here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/domestic-family-violence At Women’s Community Shelters, we provide women entering our shelters with the education, resources, and guidance needed to regain financial and technological independence and rebuild their lives. #endDV #DVprevention #DVawareness #coercivecontrol #tfcc #techfacilitatedabuse
A Liberal state MP has thrown his support behind residents protesting against plans to build a three-story social housing block for seniors in Sydney’s south and claiming it threatens to devalue their homes and disrupt the ambience of their “peaceful, family oriented neighbourhood”. Jen Dixon, WCS Director of Housing reacts to The Sydney Morning Herald article 'Distressingly, older women over 55 are identified as the fastest growing cohort of people experiencing homelessness.' You can read the article here: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/keep-our-curtains-drawn-residents-block-social-housing-for-seniors-20241219-p5kzlz.html #endDV #DVawareness #DVprevention #homelessness #womenscommunitysheltersau
Our long-term goal is that WCS is no longer needed. We will have helped create safety, shelter and support for all women and their children experiencing DFV in Australia. Former clients will be living free from homelessness and violence, will have social and emotional wellbeing, with community connection and belonging. #DVprevention #DVawareness #endDV #womenscommunitysheltersau
Enter our raffle to win a pair of stunning diamond earrings valued at $4800 by iconic Australian luxury jewellery brand CANTURI. Tickets are just $15, or go big and grab a bundle for $100 for more chances to shine bright like a diamond. Every ticket you buy helps to support women and children who are experiencing homelessness, domestic or family violence: https://www.womenscommunityshelters.org.au/2024canturiraffle/
It's a wrap! We are delighted to share the extraordinary impact of our Walk the Talk program in 2024. • 26 schools and 4214 students participated, supporting 8 of WCS's shelters. • Through a combination of volunteer hours, goods and fundraising, schools donated over $185,000 of value. • An amazing 100% of students would recommend the program. A huge thank you to our community of young change-makers, their teachers and the funders who make this program possible. Your commitment to addressing Domestic and Family Violence in your communities gives us hope for a better future.
Our Annual Report FY2023/24 is here! ‘We are proud to showcase the achievements and milestones we have reached together - achievements that have profoundly impacted over 1,200 women and children, and the local communities that walk alongside us’ WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM. Read the complete annual report here: https://www.womenscommunityshelters.org.au/what-we-do/annual-reports/
Kids like eight year old Jack, will be spending Christmas in one of our shelters. His mum made the brave choice of leaving an abusive relationship to be safe. While adjusting to life in a shelter can take time, our dedicated Child Support Program ensures that Jack is listened to, supported, and treated with the care and respect every child deserves. We Need Your Help : Last year, 272 children like Jack, stayed in a WCS Shelter. Our vital Child Support Program, which relies entirely on philanthropic and community funding, provides these children with the care and support they need during such a difficult time. Your support is crucial to ensure we can continue this life-changing work across our growing shelter network now and into the future. The WCS Child Support program ensures every child like Jack has a dedicated Child Support Worker to work with them on their individual needs and connect them to appropriate supports. Please donate today: https://womenscommunityshelters-christmasappeal2024.raiselysite.com/
2024 has been a horrific year in the number of women to date that have been killed. Neesha Eckersley, WCS Acting CEO reacts to Guardian Australia article 'Amid all the crisis talks and prevention efforts, 2024 has been a horror year for violence against women.' You can read the article here: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/dec/17/domestic-family-violence-against-women-deaths-australia-2024 #endDV #DVawareness #DVprevention #womenscommunitysheltersau
Women's Community Shelters responds to the NSW Government announcement to streamline access to Meanwhile-Use Accommodation. 'Meanwhile Use' is an innovative housing model that aims to make use of vacant or underutilised properties, such as aged care facilities, hospitals, church-owned buildings and government assets, to provide an immediate and pragmatic response to the affordable housing and homelessness crisis. #meanwhileuse #endDV #DVprevention #DVawareness
