Building futures free from violence

Leanne said that at this time of the year they usually see an increase in the number of domestic violence incidents; and at the same time they also see an increase in the amount of support provided by local community members.  It shows that the community does care about its members. 

 

Starick staff often deal with difficult situations that are quite stressful to everyone involved.  The organisation has been around for about 35 years providing support to women and children who are fleeing from domestic violence situations.  They have 2 refuge houses - one in Bentley that is an emergency response centre which is on call 24/7.  The other is located in Gosnells.  Both of these provide an opportunity for women and children to start the process of feeling safe again. 

 

Apparently 2 women every week in Australia are murdered by their partner or ex partner.  So such refuge support is invaluable for those who do manage to flee domestic violence.  There are also another 12 houses located in the south east corridor of the city that are used to transition people back into a more normal day to day lifestyle that are run by Starick.

 

Belmont City Council has provided funds to staff a domestic violence worker who is located at the local police station to assist those who may require the services of such organisations, as Starick.  There are also staff at Cannington and Armadale Police Stations. 

 

The refuges themselves are funded through government funding; however the additional support services provided by Starick are not government funded.  Starick needs to find extra to provide funds for an array of programs that they have available to support the women and children who are victims of domestic violence.  These include Art Therapy courses for both women and children; Baby massages where they train the mums to reconnect with their babies, and help them soothe them; self defense courses for women so they can re-establish confidence in themselves. 

 

At any one time they will have 12 women in the refuges; with over 200 being supported across the year.  Their outreach program will see over 1,000 people throughout the year.  One of the new programs they are getting involved in is the Safer Homes Program where the male (perpetrator) is removed from the family home and the women and children are supported to remain in their local, familiar environment.  This program provides less disruption to children's schooling.  It doesn't work for all incidences but it does reduce the homelessness of women and children displaced because of a violent partner.  Approximately 97% of the perpetrators are males.  Often a trigger for domestic violence is the 'need to control' someone else.  When you add in alcohol abuse, gambling debts, unemployment and drug addiction the issue is exaccerbated. 

 

Starick will be the recipient of our Christmas hamper items this year.  So we will see Leanne again when she returns for our Christmas meeting.  If anyone would like to donate to Starick, please contact them on 08 9478 5300; email ceo@starick.org.au or check out their website:  www.starick.org.au

 

Thank you Leanne and your team for the amazing work you do to support those who are in need.  Well done, and thank you for coming and talking to us about this amazing work too.