Connected, well-informed communities can create vital safety pathways for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, particularly in regional areas.

Geographical isolation often impedes the ability of women to identify as being at risk of domestic violence – the main reason women and children leave their homes in Australia – and shapes their coping and decision-making because it can limit their options.

Learn how you can help at a community information session on Tuesday, March 20, at Mount Barker Community Centre, 31 Princes Rd, Mount Barker, from 9.30am to 12 midday.

Listening to a woman in an abusive relationship, and knowing where to access specialist support for her, can be life-saving. Make every conversation count!

Hosted by Centacare’s Murray Mallee & Adelaide Hills Domestic Violence Service, session topics include:

  • What is domestic violence
  • The cycle of violence
  • Myths and facts
  • Why women stay
  • Impact on women and children
  • Services and supports available

For more information about the information session, please phone Pam or Anne at Centacare 8215 6320.

In addition, we are  running a FREE COURSE to support women who have been affected by, or are currently experiencing, domestic violence.

The aim is to assist women who are in an abusive relationship – or have left a violent relationship – to better understand their experiences, seek support from others in a similar situation, and learn skills to begin healing and live a life free of fear.

Topics covered in the program include:

–          What is domestic violence?

–          Myths and facts about domestic violence

–          Impact of domestic violence on women and children

–          The cycle of violence

–          Why women can find it hard to leave an abusive relationship

–          Women’s rights to a healthy relationship

–          Healing and moving on

The seven-week program starts on Friday, May 11, and will run from 9.30am to 12 midday every Friday, at Mount Barker Community Centre, with the last session on June 5.

For more information or to book a place in the course, please phone case managers Pam and Anne on 82156320.