Vinnies helps thousands of women experiencing domestic violence, we want to help hundreds more

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is trying to raise the money to increase its capacity to help women experiencing domestic violence by 10 per cent.

“Every year, Vinnies helps thousands of women who are experiencing domestic violence.

“There are many more who need our help and we are trying to raise the money to increase our capacity to provide aid by 10 per cent.

“This would mean hundreds of more women and their children would be able to access Vinnies domestic violence support services,” St Vincent de Paul NSW Area Manager Homelessness and Housing Services, Karen Devins, said.

“A lot of people are surprised to hear that Vinnies operates domestic violence support services, as we are more commonly associated with Vinnies Shops and homelessness shelters.

“We provide help for women experiencing domestic violence, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because intimate partner violence and homelessness are inextricably linked.

“When it comes to women and children, domestic violence is the strongest driver for homelessness.

“It is not uncommon for women experiencing domestic violence to find themselves cut off from their finances and without accommodation, in a location where they don’t have family or community supports.

“This is because perpetrators often deliberately engineer these situations through coercive control.

“The caseworkers and Members of Vinnies are often the only people these women can turn to for help,” Ms Devins said.

“Homelessness is defined by its lack of safety but for women who experience it as a result of escaping domestic violence there is an added level of risk.

“When a woman makes the choice to leave an abusive relationship, it increases the risk that the violence will escalate.

“It is, therefore, of massive importance that we are there to support them during these times,” Ms Devins said.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones | 0417 446 430