YWCA Australia’s Wingecarribee Domestic and Family Violence Service is a voluntary program providing support for families and their children impacted by domestic and family violence.
The program provides support to families with children under the age of 18 living in Wingecarribee that are impacted by domestic and family violence. Families come in many shapes and sizes and can include grandparents and carers.
The program can help with a range of issues such as parenting support, safety planning, advocacy, legal support, court support and other service referrals as needed.
The service:
- Actively engages with children, families and communities impacted by domestic and family violence and ensures family’s needs are met early to prevent escalation of issues
- Supports parents and carers of young children to meet the emotional, physical and material needs of their children
- Works collaboratively and inclusively with community to support and protect their members
Through our service, you can:
- Identify and tell us your needs confidentially
- Make your own decisions
- Choose how you are supported
- Be supported through case management
We promise that you will:
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Be listened to and heard
- Engaged within a safe environment
- Have a non-judgemental provision of service
The service you receive will be individualised, inclusive and tailored to your needs and the needs of your children.
Domestic and Family Violence
Domestic and family violence can happen to anyone – from any country, religion, sexuality, gender, social background or culture. It can happen at home or outside the home.
Domestic and family violence occurs when someone uses violence, threats, force, or intimidation to control or manipulate a family member, partner or former partner. The central element of domestic and family violence is an ongoing pattern of behaviour aimed at controlling through fear.
Children’s Experience of Domestic and Family Violence
Violence and witnessing violence affects children of all ages and can influence how they deal with conflict throughout their lives. They may even come to believe that violence is a normal part of an intimate relationship.
Violence leaves children feeling confused, sad, angry and frightened. How this is expressed depends upon their age and stage of development.
- Babies’ and toddlers’ feelings will be reflected in their behaviour. If you are stressed it is likely that they will also become stressed.
- Small children may blame themselves for the violence.
- Primary-aged children may want to hide what happens at home from their friends
You are not to blame for these effects on your children, but you can support them to repair and recover when they are safe to do so.
Referral to our service
You can refer yourself or be referred by another service (with your consent) via email and/or phone
Contact details
Tel: 02 4628 3300 or 0490 434 007
Email: WDS@ywca.org.au
