Could You Be a Victim?

1 in 3 women in Australia (1 in 2 Aboriginal women) have experienced some form of abuse. It usually happens at home – even in what may seem to be a loving relationship. In the majority of cases it is committed by a partner or ex-partner or a family member.

It isn’t just violent behaviour.  It can be controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and sexual. 

Get help from a professional.

Do you need a safe place to go?

The Shelter is always open and available - 24 hours, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. The Shelter is a secure place with CCTV covering all perimeter fencing and internal yards.  It is open to women and children who are fleeing family and domestic violence and need a safe place to stay.  Male children must be under the age of 18, but if you are not sure – ask.

Staying at the Shelter

The Shelter has 5 bedrooms.  Each woman and her children have their own bedroom.  Some bedrooms have ensuites, otherwise bathrooms are shared. 

While at the Shelter, women and children are welcome to use the shared kitchen, lounge, children’s play area and wellbeing room. 

Shelter support workers are available by phone 24/7. Usually, during the day, they work with each woman and her family to develop a safety and support plan that will provide them with what is required to live free from violence and rebuild their lives.

In addition The Shelter also has a transitional house for women and their children who would like to live independently - whilst accessing all the support services from The Shelter. 

Are you homeless or at risk of being homeless due to family and domestic violence?

Subject to availability, The Shelter can provide accommodation for up to two women and their children at any given time in a transition house.  You are eligible to live in the house if you meet, or are prepared to meet, the following criteria:

a) Are studying and or employed

b) Your children are enrolled in and attending school

c) You are able to contribute to the cost of power

You can stay as long as you need. This could mean until you complete your studies or are financially stable and able to live independently.  There is no expectation for you to contribute to rent, water or other costs. 

Whilst you are in the house, you are supported by The Shelter through the suite of services available – including case management and safety plans.

Do you and your family need help beyond just being safe?

Some families choose to enter into the Shelter Family Partnership Program (FPP).  The FPP is usually for women and children returning to the community and or their family – including the perpetrator. The FPP includes intense family support (including the perpetrator) through the development and delivery of case plans. It includes referral to appropriate agencies and development and implementation of a safety plan for the women and her children

In developing the goals, actions and tasks within the case plan, the Support Worker will openly discuss a range of presenting issues including:

• Any substance and alcohol misuse, mental health problems, physical or intellectual disability
• Any conflict and/or family violence, family breakdown (including separation, divorce or bereavement), which is impacting on the wellbeing and development of the child
• Any financial or social hardships (such as isolation) that create a negative environment that impacts on the development of the child
• Any infrequent school attendance and poor school completion rates

For the relevant presenting issues, the individuals, family and support team will identify goals, actions, tasks and measures of progress that they believe will lead to changes in behaviour and positive outcomes.

It is important that the individuals and family strengths are considered when identifying goals so as they are realistic, achievable and relevant.  This will also require careful consideration of the individuals needs and capabilities.

What if you need specialist help?

Each family and individual will have a unique range of issues and barriers that are impacting upon their overall safety and wellbeing. The Shelter recognises that at times, specialist services will be required accordingly. 

For example, individuals who have experienced severe and consistent trauma may require professional (clinical) counselling and therapy. It is also likely that some of the children will be subject to multiple risk factors and have long-term chronic needs, potentially leading to developmental deficits.  In this case, they may require specialist educational and motor skill support services. 

Other women may need legal advice or migration services.

The Shelter has strong links with service providers within and beyond Newman and will be able to access these services based on the needs of the family and individual. Importantly, The Shelter will be available to support the family, physically and emotionally, in accessing these services.

What is The Shelter Sensory Program?

Opportunities to access therapy sessions are included in the Case Plans, available through the Shelter Sensory Program and incorporated into the family home wherever possible.

Sensory programs offer support for women and children to manage stress, anxiety and anger.  It includes magnesium baths (assists in improving physical injury and helps with sleeping patterns), hand and foot massages, scented oils, visual adaptions such as full fruit and vegetable bowls, family and friend cooking sessions, storytelling and reading, board games and weekend bush walks during cooler months.  A treadmill has been purchased for clients to maintain usual exercise patterns. 

What if you have no money?

The Shelter can help you through the Emergency Relief Assistance.  The type of assistance typically includes food, transport and or vouchers.