Suzi Rowe sees the difference that Samaritans services are making in Taree and surrounding communities every day.
As Team Leader for the Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) and the Taree Women’s Refuge, Suzi says her teams respond to, and support, women and children escaping family and domestic violence and homelessness.
“I see the support that my staff provide to clients,” she says.
“Even if it’s just a listening ear or linking them with other services for referrals.
“In the refuge, you can see them grow. From when they first come in to when they leave, it’s just a huge jump in confidence and self-esteem.
“The children, when they first come in, can be a little bit excited because it’s all new, but then you can see them start to settle and go, ‘okay, I’m safe’.”
An annual international movement – 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence – goes from 25 November to 10 December each year.
It begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs until Human Rights Day.
The aim is to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
On a local level, Suzi says the increasing prevalence of family and domestic violence is putting pressure on all services.
“It’s increased across the board, not just in our service but across the board in all services that support women and children escaping family and domestic violence,” she says.
“Our numbers increase each year, which puts pressure on each service to be able to support.”
Taree Women’s Refuge supports clients’ immediate needs and offers short-term accommodation while also linking them with other services.
Case Worker Zara Gilkison says the refuge is much needed in the local community.
“Our refuge can hold up to five families,” she says.
“Typically, we are always full, and we have a wait list.
“We have a non-judgemental focus. We may not have all the answers, but we can help them not feel as overwhelmed and tackle one thing at a time.
“We mainly focus on their housing and safety needs but also look at the wellbeing supports for the children and mother. We try to meet them where they are and we’re very trauma informed.”
Zara adds the refuge can also support with linking the child and mother back to schools, counselling, forming social networks, and encouraging them to join community groups for empowerment and education.
She says the community can help by getting more involved and speaking up if you see, hear or know something is wrong.
“If you know that someone needs help, just let them know that there are services out there and there is support and funding available.
“It’s about creating awareness so people know they can access that support.”
You can hear more from Suzi and Zara in this video.
You can also find out more about the 16 Days of Activism here