The Rotary Club of Erina’s ‘Comfort in Crisis’ panel, held in conjunction with White Ribbon Day on November 17, successfully collected personal care items for victims of domestic violence.
The panel-style forum had representatives from the Salvation Army, Coast Shelter, Staying Home Leaving Violence and Brisbane Water Area Command.
The panel was overseen by ABC Local Radio’s Mr Scott Levi and provided a platform for the community to learn from experts working in the field of domestic violence and their perspectives on issues facing the Central Coast.
Questions to the panel ranged from how victims of domestic violence can access a refuge, how the police are trained to respond to domestic violence, the need to educate men in the community that violence against women is not acceptable and the desperate shortage of affordable accommodation, both short and longer term, for victims.
Many who attended brought along gifts of personal items such as toothbrushes, deodorants, soaps and moisturisers for women who find themselves in a refuge with nothing of their own. Personal goods and raffle prizes were donated by East Gosford Pharmacy, Blooms Erina Fair and Priceline Woy Woy.
Media release,
Nov 20, 2015
Annona Pearse, Rotary
Club of Erina