LATEST NEWS
Our fabulous Walk the Talk team are kicking off a busy week at St Paul's Grammar School today and couldn't be more delighted to be joined by Sharon Levy, the champion Chair of The Haven - Nepean Women's Shelter. The St. Paul's community are incredible supporters of The Haven. A special thanks to the superstar teachers who work with the passionate students every year to make a difference to the women and children in their area. 🧡🧡
🚨 🎬 Watch WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM on Netflix Annabelle features in the documentary UNDER COVER, narrated by Margot Robbie, which highlights the 'devastating reality that women over 50 are the fastest growing cohort experiencing homelessness in the country' They are increasingly referred to as the hidden homeless. These women live in their cars, stay on friend’s couches or sofa beds, or live in short-term accommodation. Women's Community Shelters (WCS) is dedicated to addressing this issue by providing transitional housing dedicated exclusively for women over 55. @undercoverdocumentary Watch here: https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81688469 More information about Under Cover here: https://www.undercoverdocumentary.com
🚨 🎬 Watch WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM on Netflix Annabelle features in the documentary UNDER COVER, narrated by Margot Robbie which highlights the 'devastating reality that women over 50 are the fastest growing cohort experiencing homelessness in the country' They are increasingly referred to as the hidden homeless. These women live in their cars, stay on friend’s couches or sofa beds, or live in short-term accommodation. Women's Community Shelters (WCS) is dedicated to addressing this issue by providing dedicated transitional housing designed exclusively for women over 55. Under Cover Documentary Watch here: https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81688469 More information about Under Cover here: https://www.undercoverdocumentary.com
Today, 21st March, we recognise #HarmonyDay - a day to celebrate and champion the diverse communities that we walk alongside every day in our work. On this day, we also acknowledge the disproportionate impacts of domestic and family violence on minority groups, and the need for an intersectional approach to tackling these issues. At WCS we take immense pride in living and operating within a multicultural and inclusive community, where we continue to build an Australia where all people are safe, secure, supported and equal 🧡
TICKETS SELLING FAST. Don’t miss this one-off event with esteemed human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson (successfully defended Julian Assange and Amber Heard) who is joined by Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM. Hosted by media personality Sarrah Le Marquand discussion will be had about how the law silences women. Buy your ticket today. Limited tickets: https://shorturl.at/quHbS @followers
Here is our take on MAFS: 'MAFS has a huge platform and enormous reach with Australians to influence what we accept as ‘normal’ and acceptable behaviour in relationships. The show could benefit specifically not just from psychologist expertise, but specialist domestic violence expertise in analysing patterns of behaviour and assessing safety of participants.' Women's Community Shelters CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM #MAFS #DVprevention #DVawareness
The inquest into Lilie James' murder has begun, revealing that her killer stalked her, meticulously planned the attack, and carried out multiple practice runs. Women's Community Shelters CEO, Annabelle Daniel, highlights how coercive controllers operate, noting that in 97% of intimate partner homicides, coercive control precedes the violence. 'All our love and thoughts go to Lilie’s incredible family, and we wish them nothing but strength for the next few days.’ #EndDV
🔍 Can we stop violence against women and children? Award-winning journalist Jess Hill takes a hard look at Australia's National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children in her powerful Quarterly Essay, 'Losing It – Can we stop violence against women and children?' With deep compassion and sharp analysis, jess Hill unpacks what's working, what's failing, and what needs to change. This essay is a must-read for anyone committed to real solutions. 📖 Read her interview in ABC News : https://amp-abc-net-au.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/105031374 💬 "Each time a woman or child was murdered, I felt a gnawing sense of urgency. If it's everybody's responsibility to prevent violence, where does the buck stop?" – Jess Hill, Losing It
Today is World Social Work Day and we want to take a moment to appreciate the incredible work our case workers do every day 🧡 Your dedication, compassion, and expertise make a real difference in the lives of women, children and young people. The impact you have is truly invaluable—thank you for all that you do.
An anti-domestic abuse advocate failed to recognise the coercive control happening in her own relationship. This powerful piece in The Guardian highlights just how insidious and subtle the tactics of perpetrators can be. 🔗 Read the full story: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/13/i-am-an-anti-domestic-abuse-advocate-but-i-failed-to-recognise-it-happening-to-me-and-my-family To learn more about coercive control, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/coercive-control If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000 #coercivecontrol
Significant instances of domestic and family violence occur every day in communities across Australia. Here are three powerful statistics that highlight the reality of domestic and family violence nationwide. Beyond International Women’s Day — and every single day — Women’s Community Shelters will continue to raise awareness and provide women and children escaping domestic and family violence with a safe place to rebuild their lives. 🧡 Together, we can make a difference. If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000
It's been a busy week for our Walk the Talk team who have delivered workshops at Marian Catholic College Kenthurst and Blaxland High School Watch out for allies incoming The Sanctuary - The Hills Women's Shelter and The Haven - Nepean Women's Shelter. The young change makers we worked with are full of enthusiasm to support you this year and we can't wait to see what they do 🧡 #walkthetalkschools
✨ This is an event you won’t want to miss! ✨ Hear from Jennifer Robinson, esteemed human rights lawyer and barrister, advocate for ending violence against women, and co-author of 'How Many More Women? How the law silences women.' 🎤 Hosted by Sarrah Le Marquand, Jennifer will be joined by Annabelle Daniel OAM, trailblazing CEO of Women’s Community Shelters and leading Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) advocate, for a discussion to explore how the law is silencing and adversely affecting women experiencing family and domestic violence, and what needs to change. 💡 Don’t miss this chance to learn more about these pressing issues and be inspired by three extraordinary women whilst enjoying a light breakfast. 📢 Book your ticket here - https://womenscommunityshelters-how-the-law-silences-women.raiselysite.com/
Annabelle Reacts: Criminalising Coercive Control The passing of the law last year made Queensland only the second state (after NSW) to criminalise coercive control as a standalone offence. WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM, who also acts as the Independent Member on the New South Wales Coercive Control Implementation and Evaluation Taskforce, along with Chairing the DFV Sector and Lived Expertise Reference Groups, shares the NSW process and how other states could learn from this approach following an article published in The Australian Women’s Weekly. If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000 #coercivecontrol #DVawareness #DVprevention
🌟 Change Maker spotlight! 🌟 This International Women’s Day, Pro Bono Australia featured our incredible CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM as their Change Maker of the week! 🧡 “I’m an optimist by nature, and I firmly believe that domestic and family violence are solvable problems. I’ve had the extraordinary privilege over the last 12 years of working with amazing people across NSW and beyond who share that vision, and who are putting the work in to bring that vision to life.” – Annabelle Daniel OAM Want to know more about Annabelle’s journey, what drives her, and how she’s making an impact every day? Check out the full article here: https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2025/03/keeping-women-safe-and-sheltered/
🚨 Final call: Let’s make this International Women’s Day count. 🚨 International Women’s Day calls on us to 'March Forward' for gender equality — but for many Australian women and children facing homelessness and abuse, moving forward feels impossible. We have the opportunity to change that. Women’s Community Shelters is working to open a brand new crisis shelter in the Liverpool LGA by June 2025. This shelter will provide a safe haven for 70 women and children every year — but we can’t do it without you. We’re halfway to our fundraising goal. If you want to take tangible action today, please donate: https://tinyurl.com/WCSiwd Every dollar you give will be matched by a generous Foundation from South-West Sydney, doubling your impact and helping us reach our goal faster. Together, we can keep women safe every day — not just on International Women’s Day. 💜🧡
We’re thrilled to see Cathie Knox, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter Chair, named Wahroonga Local Woman of the Year — a well-deserved recognition of her leadership and dedication. And an extra round of applause for Jess Teoh, HKWS committee member, advocate, and friend, who’s been awarded NSW Young Woman of the Year! 🌟 Two incredible women making a powerful impact — we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate their achievements. 🧡👏
Our fabulous Walk the Talk team were delighted to spend this International Women’s Day Eve with the allies at Kingswood High School Official. The Kingswood HS community have walked alongside @The Haven - Nepean Women's Shelter since 2019 supporting their essential work with women and children escaping domestic and family violence in the Penrith area. We were overwhelmed with students signing up to lead this year's activities and we can't wait to see what these change makers achieve. It warms our hearts to see young people step up to make a tangible difference to women and their children this IWD 🧡
We know you share our outrage at the number of women killed by domestic violence this past year. Let’s take action together this International Women’s Day. We have the opportuntiy to open a brand new crisis shelter in the Liverpool LGA for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence. Despite the urgent need, there is no shelter operating in this area. Can you help us raise $100,000 to open the doors to a new crisis shelter by June 2025? Each of your donation will be matched by a generous Foundation from South-West Sydney, who knows how desperately the area needs this new shelter. This new shelter will provide a safe haven for 70 women and children each year, every year. Every dollar helps. Your donation will be a lifeline for women and children escaping abusive and dangerous environments. In this new shelter, they will have the security and support they need to escape violence and rebuild their lives. "You won’t be just changing lives – you will be saving lives.” WCS CEO, Annabelle Daniel Please donate here: https://tinyurl.com/WCSiwd
Congratulations Jessica Teoh, NSW Young Woman of the Year 2025!!!! Jess has volunteered with Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter (HKWS) for over 3 years. Jess is a very successful HKWS grant writer, contributing significant funds for HKWS' 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. Thank you for all you do 🧡
Double your impact and help us open a new crisis shelter by June. Every contribution — big or small — brings us closer to opening a brand new shelter in the Liverpool LGA. Let's keep more women and children safe every day, not just on International Women’s Day. And right now, your donation will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous foundation from South-West Sydney, who knows how urgently this community needs a new shelter. 🤝 Walk alongside us and take action today. If you can, please donate: https://tinyurl.com/WCSiwd Please share 🧡 #IWDfundraising #DVprevention #DVawareness #womenshelter
No matter the size, your contribution brings us closer to opening a brand new shelter in the Liverpool LGA, providing safety and support for more women and children. And right now, your donation will be matched — doubling your impact 🧡🧡 The time for action is now. Help us open this new crisis shelter by June 2025. If you can, please donate: https://tinyurl.com/WCSiwd
It’s great to see our CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM quoted in the NSW Government’s media statement on the impactful ‘It’s not love, it’s coercive control’ campaign. This campaign has played an important role in helping people recognise the signs of coercive control — and most importantly, empowering them to take action. Raising awareness is the first step toward change. Let’s keep the conversation going. #DVawareness #DVprevention #CoerciveControl
On a recent episode of Married At First Sight (MAFS), Paul punched a wall after hearing something that made him “really angry” — and the situation escalated quickly. This kind of behaviour isn’t just concerning — it is a red flag for abuse. At Women’s Community Shelters, we know that expressions of anger through physical violence — even when not directed at a person — can be an early indicator of controlling or abusive behaviour. That’s why it is so important to recognise these signs early and know what to look out for. If you someone or you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000 #MAFS #coercivecontrol #violenceagainstwomen #dvprevention #dvawareness
“Many women experience coercive control for the first time when pregnant, or a rapid escalation in the nature and severity of abuse and control,” says WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM, responding to the powerful SBS News article, ‘He threw me across the room’: Rachael's abuse didn't stop when she became pregnant. Coercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or isolates another person to control them. It includes physical and non-physical behaviours. You can read the article here: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/how-domestic-violence-can-worsen-during-pregnancy/ynfg6md6a If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000
Help us open a brand new shelter in the Liverpool LGA. It's a very practical way to walk alongside us this International Women's Day. YOUR IMPACT DOUBLED thanks to our generous matching donor. One night of safety and support becomes two nights of safety and support 🧡=🧡🧡 Please donate here: https://tinyurl.com/WCSiwd #fundraising #DVprevention #DVawareness
Help us reach our goal of $100,000 to open a new crisis shelter 🏠 Please donate here: https://tinyurl.com/WCSiwd More than one in two women are turned away from safe crisis accommodation shelters every night due to a lack of space.Opening a new crisis shelter in the Liverpool LGA, means providing a safe haven for up to 70 women and children each year. It will give the security and support these families who need to escape violence and rebuild their lives. We can’t do it alone. Will you walk alongside us to offer a fresh start, and help build a new future? YOUR IMPACT WILL BE DOUBLED thanks to our generous matching donor.
Our Walk the Team were at Tara Anglican School for Girls today and we could not be more inspired by the young women who will be adopting Parramatta Women's Shelter this year. Their focus, respect and engagement with the program blew us away, as did their creative ideas to become allies for their local shelter. We are so grateful for the ongoing support from the Tara Anglican School community and can't wait to see how these changemakers walk the talk in 2025🧡
📢 New report alert > Anne Summers' latest research reveals the profound economic impact of domestic violence on women’s employment and education — and the ripple effects last a lifetime. 💼 Employment gap: 5.3% lower for women who’ve experienced DV 9.4% lower for women who’ve experienced economic abuse 🎓 Education: By age 27, there’s a nearly 15% gap in university degree attainment between victim-survivors and other women. 💥 Ripple effects: Lower earnings More HECS debt Less retirement savings We can’t ignore the economic cost of domestic violence. 📖 Source: Summers, A, Shortridge, T, and Sobeck, K 2025, The Cost of domestic violence to women’s employment and education, University of Technology Sydney. Read the report here:
The majority of specialist homelessness services clients were women (60%) according to the Specialist homelessness services annual report 2023–24 (AIHW). Australians known to be at particular risk of homelessness include those who have experienced family and domestic violence, young people, children on care and protection orders, First Nations people, people leaving health or social care arrangements, and older Australians. At WCS, we know the urgent need to create more housing. (Link to the report in the comments)
Help us open a brand new crisis shelter in the Liverpool LGA 🏠 Please donate here if you can: https://tinyurl.com/WCSiwd International Women’s Day 2025 calls on us to March Forward for gender equality, but for many Australian women and children facing homelessness and abuse, moving forward feels impossible. We have the opportunity to open a brand new crisis shelter in the Liverpool LGA by June 2025. We need your support to make it happen. Every dollar you give up to $50,000 will have double the impact, thanks to an incredibly generous Foundation from South-West Sydney, who knows how desperately the area needs this new shelter 🧡+🧡=🧡🧡 Every dollar counts. Together, we can keep women safe every day, not just on International Women's Day. (WCS has DGR status which means you may be able to claim a tax deduction for any donation you make of $2.00 or more) #IWD2025 #fundraising #donate #womenshelters
Calling all Sydney golfers! Cromer Golf Club is supporting Great Lakes Womens Shelter by running a Charity Golf Day to help keep women and children safe to live a life free from violence in the Forster/Tuncurry area. 🗓️ 25 March 2025 ⛳ Cromer Golf Club Registration and Breakfast from 7:00am 🏌️https://glws.supporterhub.net.au/events/glwscharitygolfday2025 Great Lakes Womens Shelter, based in mid north coast Forster NSW, has been keeping women and children safe from family and domestic violence for almost 10 years. The local mid north coast community is extremely supportive but does not have the capacity to adequately top up government funding to the level needed to cover operating costs. Forster/Tuncurry is best known for fantastic beaches and holiday destinations, however the reality is very different. It has: · Historically, the 4th or 5th highest rate of domestic and family violence in NSW · An average mean weekly income of less than $980 vs $2484 · Only 41% of residents are in the work force vs 59% for NSW and 61% nationally Operating costs are more than $700,000 each year and to break even, an additional $200,000 is needed. GLWS is asking Golfers to support GLWS by participating in this fantastic event, while raising funds to help keep mid north coast women and children safe this year. Please share this event with your friends and family.
🎉 Huge congratulations to Great Lakes Womens Shelter (GLWS) Ambassador Corinne who smashed it at New Zealand’s iconic Kathmandu Coast to Coast with her husband Matt — raising an incredible $18,000 for GLWS! 🏃♀️🚴♀️🌊 What an amazing effort — we’re so inspired by your determination and spirit! 💪👏 #FundraisingHeroes
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
