WE ARE THE CHANGE: Service groups come together to create emergency DV housing

Article in the Swan Hill Guardian about the launch of Safe Housing Northern Victoria: AMY MAYNARD NOV 12 2021

SHOCKED by the high rates of domestic violence in the local region, and with only a single safe house in Swan Hill, service groups across Swan Hill have come together to help raise $3 million to create an emergency housing facility.

Swan Hill Rotary, Swan Hill Lions Club, Swan Hill Sunrise Rotary, Inner Wheel, Swan Hill Business and Professional Women (BPW) and the Mallee Sexual Assault unit members comprise the Northern Victoria Domestic Violence Housing Group, who have created the Safe Shelter from Domestic Violence Project.

“It just shouldn’t be in our society,” Rotarian Arthur Graham said of domestic abuse.

“But it is, and we just need to do something about it – when we think of our region, the size of it, and the lack of housing…

“It’s something I’ve been aware of in my work with Rotary for a long time, and at least with this emergency housing, we can get something started.”

The emergency crisis housing would be able to provide accommodation for multiple individuals and families, and would be for those residing in the Swan Hill Rural City, Gannawarra Shire and Buloke Shire council districts.

In Swan Hill, domestic violence incidents occur at a rate of 2,929.3 per 100,000 population, and the LGA ranked fifth highest for this kind of violence out of the 79 Victorian LGAs.

“It’s sad to have the statistics that we have – but the response doesn’t have to be,” Rotarian and Mayor Bill Moar said.

“Our response can be strong and positive, by having multiple organisations band together to support this fundraiser.”

The Gannawarra Shire ranks 17th out of the 79 Victorian LGAs for domestic violence, and Buloke Shire is at 66.

Trish Polglase, the unit manager for the Mallee Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, said that many people fleeing domestic violence, sometimes with their children, are being forced to leave their communities and support networks because they can not find safe or adequate local housing.

“We are a 24/7 crisis centre for victims of sexual assault and family violence, so we absolutely support this initiative,” Ms Polglase said.

John King, president of the Swan Hill Lions, said he has personally seen the firsthand effects of families trying to escape their abuser.

“My wife and I were on holiday at a hotel, and we came across a family who were staying there because they needed a safe shelter,” he said.

“But it was just so awkward for that poor family.

“Through the Lions Club, it’s something that we have seen needed here for years – people deserve a safe and secure place, whether it’s a family, a woman or a man who is fleeing domestic violence.”

In Australia in 2021, one in six women will experience domestic violence, and one in 16 men.

On average, one woman a week is killed by her intimate partner.

“Supporting women and children is one of the core components of Inner Wheel,” member Wendy Witty said.

“It’s just so important for us to take action like this.”

BPW President Vickie Merritt said the pandemic had also exacerbated incidents of domestic violence across the region.

“When we (BPW) found out there was such a need for emergency housing, we were just shocked,” she said.

“We instantly supported it, and two of our members, Courtney Tepper and Joy Jones, are on the steering committee.”

By having an emergency crisis accommodation in the region, individuals and families won’t need to find temporary accommodation in Bendigo or Mildura.

Or, without any other options, need to stay with their abusers.

The Safe Shelter from Domestic Violence Project is an ongoing project which is looking for support from the public, local businesses, and government bodies.

To donate to the Safe Shelter from Domestic Violence Project follow the link: https://donations.rawcs.com.au/28-2021-22