Domestic violence service tells Rotary about its work

An Ettalong domestic violence support service addressed the Rotary Club of Woy Woy by video link for its August 3 meeting.

Rotary club president Ms Julie Jones said: "Their vision is that all people should be safe in their home.

"Their service ethos is: Guiding you through the storm.

"Their mission: to serve our local community in transforming lives from simply surviving to thriving."

Ms Jones said that, for those living with or leaving domestic and family violence, the focus of the service was keeping families together.

The club was told that 60 per cent of the Peninsula Lighthouse intake came from 1800 RESPECT; 30 per cent from the internet and 10 per cent from other referrals.

"Within 24 hours of contact an appointment is made within Peninsula policy guidelines."

She said Peninsula Lighthouse provided clients with on-going casework and referral to other services, including accommodation, food, finance and debt assistance, legal, trauma assistance, care, counselling and job seeking.

It provide safe connect group and divorce care program.

There were information sessions and mentoring on relevant topics as well as "fun opportunities" to connect back into the community.

Ms Jones said: "The community benefits for the Peninsula program are reducing the risk of violence in the community; improving mental health of sufferers; an enhancing holistic support program, and ensuing that our community is a safer place to live."

Fundraising for the past 12 months had come mostly from private funding, with some from donations, clients and fundraisers.

Ms Jones said the club gained an insight into "the tremendous work being done with individuals and families that come to them for assistance".

"There was great interest from our members with plenty of questions."

SOURCE:

Newsletter, 8 Aug 2021

Julie Jones, Rotary Woy Woy