Raising awareness about domestic violence

The Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC) used its recent annual general meeting (AGM) as a platform to raise awareness about the complex issues of domestic, family and sexual violence currently facing women on the Central Coast.

With the region experiencing the second highest rate of domestic violence in the state, the event featured speeches from CEO of Women’s Community Shelters, Annabelle Daniel, and Full Stop Australia CEO Karen Bevan.

Councillors, community partners, members, donors, funders, volunteers and supporters of the centre came together to learn about the complex issues of coercive control and gendered violence, and consider how each can contribute to safer futures for women and girls in the community.

CCCWHC Chair Janet Attwood said a recent increase in funding from the NSW Government had given the centre increased responsibility in advocating for the rights of women in the region.

“As the result of extensive advocacy efforts, the centre has received increased funding to expand our programs over the next four years to help address the ever-growing need for women’s support services in our community,” she said.

“This means our centre — which currently operates from Wyoming, Wyong and Woy Woy and has been in operation for close to 50 years — will become a significant community presence with an increased responsibility to provide high quality services and advocate for women and girls on the Central Coast for many years to come.”

CCCWHC CEO Sara Foster acknowledged the centre’s achievements under former CEO Theresa Mason, while also looking to what lies ahead.

“As I’ve learned about the history of our centre, I’ve become aware of the many, many women across our history who fought for the rights of women,” she said.

“I will work to build on the achievements of these women, together with our board members, who are all volunteers working tirelessly to provide strategic guidance and leadership, anchoring us to our purpose and founding principles of empowering women.

“At a time in my life when I felt scared, vulnerable and alone, the centre gifted me with three remarkable things – access to information, a non-judgemental ear and connection to support.

“This is what we seek to provide all women who access our services.

“It’s no secret that we have one of the highest rates of domestic, family, and sexual violence in the state.

“This crisis affects not only the women and children who endure it but ripples through families, friends and our broader community.

“We also know that we are in the midst of a housing crisis and, as a result, we have a devastating number of women and children living out of their cars, as there simply isn’t enough crisis accommodation to support these women to leave violent situations.

“There is so much work to be done and it will take all of us to contribute and support in any way we can to the vital work being done to improve outcomes for all women and girls on the Central Coast.”

CCCWHC will soon release a Strategy which will focus on the key pillars of amplifying reach and advocacy, primary prevention and early intervention, communities and partnerships, being fit for the future and empowering its staff to create safer futures for vulnerable women and girls in the community.