Our Lady of the Way offers refuge for women seeking safety

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has opened a purpose-built facility, Our Lady of the Way, in Western Sydney offering crisis accommodation for women over the age of 45 seeking refuge from domestic and family violence (DFV).  

Funding from the NSW Government enabled the redevelopment of the existing refuge, which provides trauma-informed, wrap-around services for women, coordinated by caseworkers. The new building features independent living for five women in self-contained accommodation, along with access to on-site support services to help rebuild their lives.  

Individual support plans coordinated by a caseworker will aim to meet specific health, education, employment, social and legal needs. 

The upgraded facility has communal areas for social activities, a garden, BBQ area and a common room with a kitchen. The pet friendly accommodation enables residents to bring their companion animals, which can often be a barrier to securing emergency accommodation.   

The Society’s NSW CEO, Yolanda Saiz, said demand for domestic and family violence services has nearly doubled over the last five years.  In 2023, DFV was the main reason for people seeking assistance from the Society’s housing and homelessness services. The Society supported 2,311 people experiencing DFV, with three women seeking assistance from DFV services every 8 hours. 

‘We believe that there is a need for specialised, tailored services for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence,’ Ms Saiz said.  

‘For older women, the experience is often coupled with extreme social isolation and disconnection from friends, family and the broader community. Often the women are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background and because of their age, limited English, minimal family support networks and past trauma, they can find it extremely difficult to re-establish themselves in the community.’ 

Ms Saiz thanked the NSW Government and Cumberland City and Parramatta City Councils for their support in making the project happen. 

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said, ‘The connection between domestic violence and homelessness is undeniable, with domestic and family violence being the main reason for women seeking support from refuges and other specialist homelessness services. 

‘Women escaping domestic and family violence often have very few housing options, especially if they have children or pets. We know that thousands of women become homeless or return to violent homes because they are unable to find alternative places to stay. 

‘Secure and stable housing is critical to promoting the safety and wellbeing of women experiencing violence. Having best-practice refuge models ensures Specialist Homelessness Services like St Vincent de Paul Society can respond to the needs of victim-survivors, so they can leave unsafe relationships and rebuild their lives financially, socially and emotionally.’ 

The State Member for Granville, Julia Finn added, ‘This is an important service for our local community and will make a huge impact on the lives of women who are in need of a safe haven. By delivering more emergency, transitional and long-term housing for victim-survivors, they can feel more confident to leave unsafe relationships.’ 

The new service is assisted by key organisations that include RSPCA, Ozharvest, Bunnings and Thread Together. The Society will work closely with other Specialist Homelessness Services who refer and support women in the Western Suburbs, including Cumberland Women’s Health and the DV Line.