Demand for domestic and family violence services has been unfortunately increasing, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are commencing construction later this year on four independent short-term units in the Hawkesbury for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence. This accommodation will provide a secure base from which women can rebuild their lives and reclaim their independence.
Funded through the Commonwealth Department of Social Services’ Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program, the units will house women and their children, and include a common area where community organisations can offer services and support groups for tenants.
The Safe Places project will include support services delivered in partnership between Link Wentworth’s Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Homelessness Service (Nurreen) based in the Hawkesbury and The Women’s Cottage, the primary local specialist domestic violence service. The partnership will provide wrap-around services to the women and children accessing the crisis accommodation.
To design the complex, we have been working with The Women’s Cottage, as well as Windsor Police, Hawkesbury Council and local community organisations to ensure the needs of women and children were met in the design.
We are delighted to have the opportunity to play a key role in addressing the urgent accommodation needs of this vulnerable group. The goal is to complete the Safe Places project by mid-2022.
Link Wentworth can assist people facing homelessness or housing insecurity due to domestic and family violence. If you, or someone you know needs help, please call us on 9412 5111 or email enquiries@linkwentworth.org.au.
Link Wentworth wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we work and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.