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Ozcare

Women's Refuges

Women from all walks of life come to Ozcare Women’s Refuges to escape violence and abuse at home.  They may have experienced physical, social, emotional, sexual, financial, verbal or other forms of abuse.

Ozcare Women’s Refuges provide safe, secure, short-term accommodation for women and their children, regardless of age, race, religion or financial situation. 

Ozcare’s Women’s Refuges provide a home-like atmosphere in a culturally sensitive environment away from abuse and where women can care for their children.  Some Refuges are large suburban homes where families have their own bedrooms and share a communal kitchen and bathroom.  Others are self-contained units. 
Child Support Workers deliver age appropriate activities for children in child-friendly areas.

Women are supported and encouraged to plan and make important decisions about their future.  Support is provided seven days a week, every week of the year.

Services offered:
  • A physical place that is safe and secure where women and their children can live free from violence or harassment.
  • Emotional support and encouragement to help women to make plans for the future.
  • Information referrals, eg housing, income, counselling, legal, childcare, schools, health, support groups, migrant services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services.
  • Other assistance, eg liaising with Government and non-Government agencies.
  • Protection Orders can be sought with staff assistance.
Calling dvconnect womensline (1800 811 811) any time - day or night  - will put you in touch with a Counsellor.  The Counsellor will refer you to the nearest available safe refuge.  Ozcare Refuges can only be accessed through referral from dvconnect.

Accommodation will always be found immediately for those seeking refuge.  However, accommodation cannot be pre-booked.  Transport can be organised.

It is not necessary to have any money when entering a Refuge. 

The usual stay is around four weeks.  Staff will discuss needs and the length of stay will be decided on that basis.  Staff will assist in relocating to suitable accommodation if required.

The address and phone number of Ozcare’s Women’s Refuges are strictly confidential and information about residents is never given out. 

While at the Refuge, clients do not need to have contact with unwanted visitors or callers. Police can be contacted immediately if required.

Planning for your Safety

These suggestions may help you leave quickly if you are in danger.

  • Decide who to call if you feel threatened or in danger.
  • Decide where to go if you need a safe place.
  • Decide what arrangements to make to ensure your children’s safety.
  • Keep an extra key for your house and car.
  • Keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy.
  • Hide a change of clothing for you and your children.
  • Pack any medications you need.
  • Know where to find important papers and records in a hurry.
  • Keep some clothing, medication, important papers, keys and some cash at a friend’s house.
  • Practice travelling to the location chosen as a safe place so you can get there safely even in a panic.
  • Keep a list of items you may wish to retrieve at a later date.

What is Domestic and Family Violence?

Domestic and Family Violence is any type of behaviour one person uses to gain power and control over another person.  Forms of abuse can include:

  • Physical – including punching, slapping, pushing
  • Verbal – including criticisms, insults, name-calling and put-downs
  • Sexual – such as forcing someone to take part in sexual acts they do not want to take part in
  • Financial – such as controlling or depriving a person of money
  • Emotional or Psychological – including behaviours and comments used to undermine a person’s confidence.
  • Social – such as isolating a person from their family and friends
  • Damage – to property and pets
  • Harassment – such as constant telephoning or following a person
Domestic and Family Violence can also include threats to commit any of the above.

Domestic and Family Violence affects children and young people too …

Children and young people who experience violence can have feelings of sadness, fear, guilt, anger and confusion.  They can also experience behavioural and emotional problems after witnessing domestic and family violence.  Ozcare’s Counselling and Support Service can provide support and information to parents, including suggesting ways parents can assist their children.

Definition of Domestic and Family Relationships
Spousal Relationships – People who are married, separated or divorced;  biological parents of a child;  or two people of the same or opposite sex living together or who have previously lived together as a couple.

Intimate Personal Relationships – People who are or were engaged to be married to each other including a betrothal under cultural or religious tradition.  It also includes people who are or were previously dating and whose lives have become enmeshed.

Family Relationships – People who are relatives of each other by blood or marriage (including de facto) or regarded as a relative according to cultural beliefs.

Informal Care Relationships – a person who is or was dependent on another person to assist with activities of daily living.  The care cannot involve payment of a fee.

Initiative of Queensland Department of Communities.
 

Published Date: June 27, 2008
Printed from http://www.ozcare.org.au/page/Our_Services/Community_Support/Domestic_Violence_Refuges_and_Support/Womens_Refuges/
© Ozcare

Contact Ozcare: Ph:(07) 3028 9000; Fax:(07) 3028 9199