Anglicare’s Homelessness and Housing service along with other partner organisations in Goulburn are seeking to raise awareness and support for people leaving domestic violence. Anglicare’s service alone assists over 600 people in Goulburn a year with around 40 per cent of clients affected by domestic violence. Anglicare are keen to raise awareness on the issue in the lead up to national White Ribbon Day (20 November) and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November).
In previous years, services and community members have come together to mark White Ribbon Day with the ‘Goulburn Says No to Domestic Violence’ walk through Auburn Street to Belmore Park, however due to COVID-19 restrictions this is unable to occur in 2020. Instead, this year Anglicare in partnership with Marymead, Flourish Australia, Directions Health, Mission Australia, Police NSW, NSW Department of Communities and Justice, and Goulburn Multicultural Service, will have a stand at the Goulburn Square Shopping Centre on Friday 20 November and Wednesday 25 November, between 10am and 4pm. This will serve as an information hub to find out more about helping victims of domestic violence.
Anglicare service coordinator, Jodie Watson, said that need tends to spike at this time of year. “Domestic violence is a big problem across Australia and sadly our community is no different,” says Ms Watson. “Financial pressures and other emotional stressors all play a part in domestic violence, which are always worse in the lead up to Christmas. After such a challenging year, vulnerable families are struggling further, so we are bracing for more people accessing our help. This is why we’re so excited that so many organisations coming together to make people aware of this.”
Ms Watson encouraged Goulburn locals to visit the stand and learn about the issues surrounding domestic violence including how to reduce the risk, and how to identify and support those who may be affected.
“Representatives from these different services are really keen to speak to people about this issue because it affects thousands of Australians every day and many being within our community,” said Ms Watson.
For more information about Anglicare’s Emergency Relief and Homelessness Support services, visit www.anglicare.com.au or call (02) 4823 4000.
