By Isla Stanich
President of Warwick Safe Haven Inc Bette Bonney caught up with the Free Times this week to explain how local women should seek help for domestic and family violence.
Following the founding of Warwick Safe Haven in 2012, Bette and the Safe Haven team have worked to ensure all women in the Southern Downs and surrounding regions can access domestic violence support services.
“Every woman should feel safe in her own home,” Bette said.
“I think it’s really important that people understand how often well-meaning people in the community say, ‘Why doesn’t she leave?’, but people need to understand that once a woman leaves, this can be one of the most dangerous times for her and her family.
“It is of prime importance that women know how to keep themselves and their families safe, whatever choice they make.
“They need to talk with professional services who can stand with them through their journey.”
Due to their history of keeping women and children safe, it is now Safe Haven’s priority to use their community-raised funds for emergency refuge accommodation and counselling for their clients, along with quality community education.
“We currently provide a regular donation to Domestic Violence Action Centre for Southern Downs clients with practical safety needs,” Bette told the Free Times.
“The range of services being made available, at the discretion of the counsellor, can change a family’s life and bring an incredible sense of safety.”
The important role of the community in promoting safety and protection of women and children impacted by domestic violence was also recently highlighted through the ‘Proactive Bystander’ workshops funded by Warwick Safe Haven in May.
“The community also needs to be willing and feel confident to do something,” Bette said.
“If a person sees or hears something potentially dangerous happening next door for example, you need to dial triple-zero, ask for police and report your concerns because a simple phone call may save a life.
“You can ask to remain anonymous from your neighbour, but police may need your assistance as a witness in the future to actually process justice – this remains your choice.”
Important phone numbers that women can contact are listed below …
* DVAC for counselling on Southern Downs – 07 4617 7670 (business hours)
* DV Connect (24/7) for phone counselling and emergency accommodation
– 1800 811 811
* National Helpline (24/7) crisis counselling – 1800 RESPECT
* Centrelink Crisis Payment – 13 28 50
* Women’s Legal Service Hotline – 1800 957 957 (9am to 3pm)
* Rural Women’s Legal Service – 07 4616 9700
* Cornerstone (housing/referrals) – 07 4661 4777
* CDS Stanthorpe (support and referrals in Stanthorpe) – 07 4681 3777
* Warwick Hospital – 4660 3900
* Stanthorpe Hospital – 4683 3400
Warwick Safe Haven published important numbers on 1000 cards earlier this year for service providers to share with their clients.
The committee plans to print a further 1000 cards in July to further disperse through beauty salons, real estate agents, chemists, medical centres and any other avenues where potential clients with domestic violence needs attend.
Donations to Warwick Safe Haven Inc can be deposited at Warwick Credit Union, preferably with a simple donation ‘identifier’, such as their name or a company name.
