Supporting Women Escaping Domestic Violence
Sydney’s northern suburbs are often regarded as prestigious and well-to-do. But domestic violence affects all people, from all areas of the city, and can leave women and children desolate, without finances or a secure home. Since 2020, recorded domestic violence incidents within the North Sydney to Hornsby region has increased nearly 8% yearly.
To address the gap in government-funded services for women and children fleeing abusive situations, residents of the northern suburbs founded Mary’s House Services.
Mary’s House Services is a not-for-profit organisation that supports women as they escape and recover from domestic and family violence. Beginning in 2015 with Mary’s House Refuge, the service provides a temporary home for women, critical care, clothing, and food, all overlooked by qualified case workers.
In 2020, after a few years of having opened the refuge, Mary’s House established the Daisy Centre north of the Harbour Bridge.
At the Daisy Centre, female survivors of violence have access to therapeutic programs, specialised social workers, expert legal professionals, and are given the opportunity to rebuild in a secure, compassionate environment. Mary’s House aims to support women as they transition into their new, free and safe lives.
Since opening their doors, Mary’s House has provided 14,000 nights of accommodation to women in crisis.
Domestic violence costs the economy $26 billion annually. Mary’s House Services is made possible by community funding and the generosity of individuals, businesses and philanthropists. Less than one per cent of funding comes from the government.
Mary’s House Services are holding their annual Mary’s House Walk to garner support, funds, and have the public say “no” to domestic violence.
On Sunday the 27th of October, at St Leonards Park, the community is encouraged to join the 10km, no stairs, guided route throughout North Sydney.
Mary’s House are looking for corporates or foundations to match the donations of supporters, aiming to raise $250,000 to ensure the operation of the refuge and their community centre.
‘The support and participation of the region are crucial to the necessary delivery of our work,’ says Yvette Vignando, CEO of Mary’s House Services. ‘On the day we welcome individuals and families, their tethered pets, corporates, schools, unis, sports and service organisations, concerned citizens, and our local parishes. We look forward to you joining us at the Mary’s House Walk 2024. Together we are saving lives.’
For example, $50 provides a gift card for a woman who needs to buy personal care items, $250 provides a safe room in a hotel for a woman and her children, $500 could provide a technology check on a woman’s devices to prevent cyber-stalking, $1,000 assists with funding the cost of therapeutic and wellbeing workshops, $5,000 assists with the cost of providing safe accommodation.
For more information, visit www.maryshouse.org.au