Mary’s House and The Daisy Centre help those impacted by domestic violence
Mary’s House opened in 2016 on the North Shore and provides emergency accommodation for women escaping domestic and family abuse (DFA).
The refuge accommodates four women and their children per night. They are supported by case workers, social workers and a housing coordinator, referrals to psychology services, financial advice, legal advice, and advice on assessing future risk and creating a long-term safety plan.
After Mary’s House opened, chief executive officer Yvette Vignando noticed a significant gap in services in the North Shore for women living in the community impacted by DFA who were either still in the abusive relationship or had left.
Yvette welcomes community support
“We set up The Daisy Centre in 2020, an outreach centre for women who were not in the refuge but still needed support,” says Yvette.
The centre provides help such as pro-bono legal advice, safety audits and technology sweeps on laptops or phones to look for tracking apps.
Women impacted by DFA can experience 15 times more legal matters than the average client. Issues can include family law matters, financial problems, apprehended violence orders, criminal law proceedings or protective orders.
Women see counsellors and caseworkers at The Daisy Centre, but many of the programs are held off-site.
The centre runs many well-being programs, but they cost money to run, and they don’t get any regular government grants.
“One of the major challenges facing the North Shore is that the majority of state and federal government funding flows to Sydney’s West and Southwest.
“However, domestic violence and abuse in all its forms occur all over Sydney,” Yvette says. “Including some of the most privileged suburbs.
“We are funded by donors, philanthropists, corporate partners and families who have foundations who are generous enough to support great community causes.
But even donations as little as $20 a month would help, Yvette says.
“We need to grow, and we need to grow fairly quickly to meet demand because it’s the only way to save lives, to be frank.”
To help women in our community get the help they need, visit maryshouse.org.au