Unitywater has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the prevention of domestic and family violence (DFV) by granting funding to two community organisations that provide DFV support in conjunction with White Ribbon Day (18 November).
Lily House and Reset Support Service have received funding for the second consecutive year through Unitywater’s Community Grants Program, with recipients announced this week.
Lily House assists women and their young children in a range of crisis situations including fleeing domestic violence and Business Manager Joanne Higgins said the unmet demand for these types of services was “horrendous”.
“We take a young woman in and provide her with love and nurture, support and training to set a foundation for her to raise her children,” she said.
“The grant from Unitywater (last year) was amazing and we’re very grateful. It allowed us to provide support and accommodation for young women and children at a time of crisis. It’s unique, it’s important work and I wish we could do it 10-fold.”
The latest grant will enable Lily House to purchase a trailer and equipment to facilitate the continual work needed to maintain their gardens, and other maintenance and activities needed to keep the refuge running.
Reset Support Service is another organisation receiving Unitywater funding for a second time in the 2022 round.
Reset Support Service executive director Renee Welsh said the organisation worked with male perpetrators of domestic violence.
“We assist them with better ways of communicating, better ways to control emotions and things that they may never have learned or been taught how to control,” she said.
The Unitywater grant will support the delivery of a 10-week program for perpetrators that incorporates preliminary counselling, case management, individual counselling and ongoing support if required.
Unitywater Executive Manager People Culture and Safety Kenan Hibberd said the utility was committed to supporting a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace.
“The resources and support provided to our team members is critical to addressing this important issue in our communities,” he said.
“We are here to inform team members about the challenges faced by many in our community that suffer as a result of DFV, and to support those team members who unfortunately may have fallen victim.
“An important part of the education program for team members is a demonstration of our support for community groups that work to prevent DFV.
“This White Ribbon Day, we can all stand up, speak up and say no to violence against women and children.”
Unitywater was reaccredited as a White Ribbon Workplace in March this year.
