The Sydney Women’s Fund launched the Urgent Domestic and Sexual Violence Appeal campaign in May 2024 to offer immediate support to 10 charities working across Greater Sydney. Thanks to matched funding from major donors including The Wilson Foundation, The Snow Foundation, STEAL Foundation and Oranges & Sardines, every dollar donated was doubled up to $800,000.
There has been a 30 per cent increase in the number of women killed by an intimate partner over the past year. This tragic rise underscores the urgent need for action, which is why the Sydney Women’s Fund launched this appeal.
The funding was distributed to the charities in two tranches, and has been used across several critical areas, including providing protection and trauma support for women and families fleeing violence, hiring specialist support workers, delivering school education sessions, and advocating for systemic change.
The funding from this Appeal is creating meaningful change for women, families, and communities who need it most. Of the approximately 1000 women and families reached, 40 per cent are First Nations, 20 per cent come from non-English speaking backgrounds, and 7 per cent are refugees. Importantly, 13 per cent are young men accessing critical educational programs to foster respect and consent, ensuring a brighter future for everyone.
Consent Labs used their funding to collaborate with educators, researchers, and consent education experts to create enhanced resources for teachers. These resources will be piloted in partner schools, evaluated, and then implemented on a larger scale.
Fair Agenda used their funds to support a targeted campaign within the Australian Law Reform Commission’s current process to address critical service gaps for sexual violence survivors, including access to forensic exams and reducing months-long waits for trauma counseling.
Hope and Heal provides vital rehabilitative retreats for survivors of intimate partner violence, fostering recovery and resilience. Our funding enabled one weekend and one urban rehabilitative retreats for survivors of intimate partner violence, attended by 35 women.
Mudgin-Gal Women’s Centre used their funding for domestic violence support packs, a Women’s Access Officer, an eight-week Young Women’s Program, and a Work Development Order Program.
Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter has invested in one specialist domestic violence support worker four days a week, dedicated to providing care to women in transitional housing, and with more funding hopes to employ one more case worker to meet the increase in demand.
ReLove has invested in its operations to support 425 women and their families restart their lives by providing a full house of furniture and household items, delivered and setup in their homes the next day.
The Karen Iles Sexual Assault Victims Justice Fund invested in ongoing pro bono representation for victim-survivors, advocacy trips to Canberra and media coverage addressing police accountability and the need for independent lawyers for victim-survivors.
Top Blokes Foundation commenced new partnerships with five high schools in Blacktown, Parramatta, Holroyd, Auburn, and Canterbury-Bankstown to deliver 10 six-month mentoring programs over 12 months. This supports 120 young men, providing 2160 mentoring hours.
Weave Youth & Community Services Weave upgraded home security for 10 women with lock changes, security cameras, doors, grocery vouchers, and moving costs. In total, 56 women and their children were supported.
Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre utilised their funding for a new role, a Healing and Recovery Coordinator, to ensure women and children receive emergency psychological care and connection. Our funding contributed to supporting women in crisis and helping them rebuild their lives. To date 82 women have been supported.
More support means more women and families can access the help they need. To donate, please click here.
