HOBSONS Bay Women’s Referral Service this week opens its doors to women suffering family violence.
After more than two years in the pipeline, the independent service for women from all cultural backgrounds, began in an intimate, cosy room inside the Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, at Central Square Shopping Centre.
Last week, Hobsons Bay City Council approved the lease agreement until 30 June 2008 based on anecdotal evidence family violence is increasing.
In its lead-up, the referral service has acquired council grants and will rely on further community support to survive.
Run by 12 volunteers, the service will provide confidential support to families affected by family violence from the Altona Meadows, Seabrook and Laverton areas.
Former Hobsons Bay City Council candidate Gainore Atkins decided to establish the service after witnessing an incident of domestic violence.
Ms Atkins also said when women confronted her about violence during her election campaign, she referred them to Women’s Health West.
But many didn’t realise counselling was provided.
“One lady said to me ‘No I’m not sick’, she didn’t realise they offered more than just medical advice,” Ms Atkins said.
“So I thought, this would assist in providing reference to those groups already established.”
Ms Atkins will fundraise for the service by creating a cultural cookbook, which she plans to have ready in time for Christmas.
“It has the potential to be not just a list of ingredients, but a human interest book – with pictures, a short spiel on the country and contributor,” Ms Atkins said.
“Some of the people who live in Hobsons Bay have travelled some very different roads to get here, this is what our book could convey – a sense of unity.”
“It would be a great present to send overseas to show relative sand friends what a diverse neighbourhood we live in.”
The Women’s Referral Service will provide information to other services including Emergency Relief and the Western Suburbs Legal Service, and is supported by the local police and politicians.
The service, which was incorporated 12 months ago, is open three days a week.
You can seek advice on Mondays 9am – 1pm, Wednesdays 9am – 1pm to coincide with story time, and Thursdays 5pm – 8pm, and soon on Saturday afternoons 2pm – 4pm.
Ms Atkins wishes to thank everybody who has helped her reach this point.
To contribute to the cookbook place your recipe in the boxes provided at all local libraries or email hbwrs@hotmail.com
