Supporting survivors of all ages

Domestic and family violence has consistently been cited as the main reason for people seeking assistance from our homelessness and housing services.

In the last year alone, one in four people sought assistance, rising from one in five since the start of the decade.

As broader society reckons with the alarming prevalence of violence – one in four women and one in eight men have reportedly experienced domestic and family violence since the age of 15, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – specialist services are working tirelessly to ensure support is available in times of need.

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW works on the frontline of this crisis, supporting 1,700 people over the last year through refuges tailored for women and children.

Beyond providing a safe, stable and secure place to live, these services offer case management assistance – including support tailored specifically for children and young people.

Aoife Ryan works as a child and young person case worker at the Marian Centre, a refuge based in Sydney. Beginning in the role during a pilot three years ago, the impact of targeting support directly for children and young people has seen additional positions introduced at services operated by the Society in the Macarthur region and City of Sydney.

“We hone in on any needs children might have specifically, such as their health, education, social skills, participation in the community, and make sure that they’re getting those supports [in response] to what they’ve experienced,” explains Aoife.

The addition of child and young person case workers in the Society NSW’s services aims to recognise children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right. This approach, which is part of strengthening our commitment to safeguarding children, seeks to understand their experiences and listen to what they would like as part of their recovery as individuals, rather than making assumptions about the general needs of secondary victims of violence.

Case management support can involve keeping young people in education – either staying connected to their existing school, where possible, or establishing ties with schools located close to the refuge – along with arranging access to counsellors, psychologists and other health services

Other support may seem unremarkable but offers much-needed catharsis for children whose lives up to that point have been chaotic.

“They get really excited when they are able to tell us, ‘I’ve never joined a sports team or community group – this is what I’d love to be able to do.’”

Families supported by the Marian Centre are given an initial three-month stay which can be extended based on need. Longer stays are becoming more frequent due to the shortage of available and affordable housing, while residents on bridging visas, who are ineligible for assistance from certain government programs, highlight the complexities specialist services face in getting people the support they need.

Once families are able to secure accommodation in transitional housing or the private rental market, support remains available to ensure a successful transition back into the community.

Aoife has been there during the lowest points for many families. Her role requires patience in the face of adversity, but in return she and her colleagues have been able to give children and young people the support they’ve needed at a pivotal time in their lives.

“Sometimes it seems like you’re coming up against barriers all the time, but when you look back and see what you’ve done for families, it’s really rewarding.”

Your support ensures that the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is able to provide the best care possible. By focusing on the needs of everyone impacted by domestic and family violence, our services can intervene to support families during periods of crisis and offer the stability needed to recover and rebuild thriving lives.