Empowerment programs, a creative therapy group and a Reclaim the Night march are among the activities that a local domestic violence support group will stage after receiving a $67,500 grant from the NSW Government.
Cessnock-based organisation, Hunter Domestic Violence Support and Advisory Services (HVDSAS) received the grant after significant lobbying by the group and Member for Cessnock, Kerry Hickey.
The grant was allocated by Minister for Women, Jodi McKay and will contribute to a number of programs assisting victims of domestic violence in the Cessnock local government area.
Founded in April 2009 and operating out of its Cessnock office since January this year, HVDSAS was founded in response to the need for additional specialised services for victims of domestic violence in the Cessnock area.
The service currently offers 24-hour emergency assistance to victims of domestic violence and other advisory and referral services such as temporary housing.
All staff work are professional volunteers and come from a variety of backgrounds such as social sciences, refuge work, court advocacy, welfare, mental health, and psychology.
Programs and events that funds from the grant will assist include:
*The launch of the Phoenix Group, with the aim of empowerment and education of women either living in domestic violence or who have been victims of domestic violence.
*Creative therapy groups will be available to women and participants will be able to choose activities that interest them such as craft, beading or other activities that facilitate informal socialising in a comfortable environment.
*A ‘Reclaim the Night’ march in Cessnock on Friday, October 29. Reclaim the Night is an event held every October for women to take back the night and to raise awareness and the need for education about domestic violence and the plight of women and children in the local community. HDVSAS aims for the event to be a festival style atmosphere featuring entertainment, guest speakers and twilight markets where all members of the community feel welcome. The aim is for the event to represent a culmination of relevant services and groups within the local community so that victims of domestic violence are able to identify services available to them should they require them.
Still within their first year of operation, HVDSAS is thrilled with the funding and see it as a validation that services such as these are urgently required within the Cessnock area.
A significant long-term goal of the service is to establish separate functioning male and female refuges in the Cessnock area, which will be able to cater to those in need of emergency and short-term accommodation. The service is constantly seeking support to make these refuges a reality, and welcomes any sponsorship or donations.
If you are in need of assistance and believe the Hunter Domestic Violence Support and Advisory Service may be able to help, please contact 4990 6906.
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