Domestic Violence on the Rise
Tahnya Wood: Starick Industries Manager of Services
Starick Industries two refuges, Mary Smith Refuge and Starick House, offer short term crisis accommodation for women and children who need a safe place to stay where they are supported and offered access to free professional services to help them escape the violence and make plans for their future.
Applecross Rotary is a long time supporter of Starick Industries (https://www.starick.org.au/). And not just financially (that’s easy), but with the help of other Rotary Clubs like Elizabeth Quay, and borders from Aquinas College, we have undertaken renovation of the children’s playground and gardens at the Mary Smith facility. Rotary - People of Action. Applecross members also provide “pamper packs” of bathroom necessities for the newly arrived women, soft toys for the kids to take with them when they leave, as well as finding and delivering furniture to their new home.
Child advocates and women's advocates are employed at both refuges, and counselling is available to women and their children. Through a partnership with Curtin University, early intervention strategies include Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Social Work. A partnership with Anglicare provides medical support from GP’s.
The support provided at their refuges includes:
- Emotional support
- Information and referral to relevant services
- Financial support and practical assistance
- Counselling
- Case management
- Conducting risk assessments
- Safety plans
Starick also provides support and programs specifically aimed at the children living in their refuges. These include:
- Out-of-school activities and school holiday programs
- Homework support
- Art-related activities
- The annual Christmas party, which is supported with financial support from Applecross Rotary.
An important recent addition to the program’s include Youth Programs aimed at teenagers, to reduce the likelihood of violence in their relationships.
Domestic violence advocates are based at local police stations in Armadale, Kensington and Cannington, and offer an advocacy service, safety planning and case management with court support. They can also refer clients to legal and other services including:
- Safety planning
- Case management
- Information on police and legal processes
- Emotional support
- Support to those applying for a Family Violence Restraining Order or attending court
- Assistance with income support
- Referral to other services and agencies as appropriate.