Women in Parkes, Forbes and Cowra, who are leaving domestic and family violence, now have more support to remain in their home through a specialised program offered by CatholicCare-Wilcannia-Forbes.
Staying Home Leaving Violence focuses on women who have separated from a violent partner but who continue to experience abuse from the former partner.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes started delivering the program to the Cowra, Forbes and Parkes local government areas in the 2022-23 financial year. It is the first time the innovative program for victim-survivors of domestic violence, funded by the NSW government, has been offered in the three locations.
The aim of Staying Home Leaving Violence is to prevent women, and their children, from becoming homeless or having to move away from their support system of family and friends, and their job, as a result of leaving domestic and family violence.
Priority is also given to women who have experienced domestic and family violence before, and are from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, or are affected by a socio-economic disadvantage, or who have a disability.
Staying Home Leaving Violence provides intensive support for women and their children. It works with local services and police to address numerous areas, including improving security of the property, safety, apprehended domestic violence orders and family law court for parenting plans.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes provides a range of programs and services caring for the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, especially the vulnerable and at risk. To find out more, call 1800 067 067, go to ccwf.org.au or email info@ccwf.org.au