What is the WRS Domestic Violence program?
The Women's Resource Service offers a specialist Domestic Violence Outreach program.
Our program aims to enhance the safety and well-being of women and their children, by providing free and confidential crisis support, safety planning and counselling sessions.
What can we offer?
The Domestic Violence Outreach program can assist women with:
- information about women's and children's legal and moral rights to safety
- information about AVOs, and referral to services who assist with court proceedings
- access to women's refuges and emergency accommodation
- advocacy with police and legal matters
- advocacy with Centrelink and other government bodies
- information about the Family Relationship Centre and its services
- information about Parenting Plans and Family Law matters,
- and counselling support to explore issues and choices for increased safety.
Women affected by past abusive relationships are also encouraged to contact the service.
We recognize that women who have safely left abusive relationships may continue to endure ongoing harassment, especially if there are children with Parenting Orders in place.
We also recognize that the effects and trauma of living with domestic violence can have mental and emotional health consequences for many years. The Domestic Violence Outreach program aims to assist with healing from past violence and abuse.
What services are available?
Women with domestic-violence related issues are entitled to up to six counselling sessions per year.
Telephone appointments, of up to 30 minutes' duration, are also available and can be booked ahead.
We can also assist with referrals to other counsellors, psychologists, and mental health workers, following your sessions with our program. A longer-term support system is sometimes necessary for women who have experienced abuse and suffered trauma.
At least twice a year, the Women's Resource Service facilitates an eight-week Domestic Violence Support group. Women with past and present experience of abusive relationships are welcome to attend: ring for information about dates for the next group. There is no charge for participating in these groups.
When, where and how can we be contacted?
The Domestic Violence Outreach service is available in Brunswick Heads, Bangalow, Mullumbimby and Byron Bay from Monday to Thursday.
Appointments can be made through the Women's Resource Service:
9am to 5pm
Monday to Thursday
(02) 6684-4299
and by contacting the mobile Domestic Violence Outreach Program:
9am to 5pm
Monday to Wednesday
0420 997 329
We can also be contacted by email:
wrs@linknet.com.au
dvo@linknet.com.au.
Domestic violence is an abuse of power perpetrated mainly (but not only) by men against women both in relationships and after separation. It occurs when one partner attempts physically or psychologically to dominate and control the other. The experience of being subject to abuse can damage women's health and sense of well-being, and limit life chances.
Domestic violence takes a number of forms. The most commonly acknowledged forms are physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional and social abuse and economic deprivation. Stalking and harassment after separation are also common abusive behaviours. Many forms of domestic violence are against the law.
For many Indigenous people the term family violence is preferred as it encompasses all forms of violence in intimate, family and other relationships of mutual obligation and support.
Children who are living with and exposed to domestic violence may experience damaging physical and emotional health effects. Please speak with us about their safety, as well as yours.
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