Supporting the Community

We offer;

• Accommodation - beds are available for women who feel unsafe in their own homes or who want time out from an unhealthy relationship
• Support – workers are available 24 hours to respond to the various needs that our clients experience
• Legal – referral to Police or DV Legal service for Statements or Restraining Orders
• Housing – referral to Territory housing, finding accommodation in hostels, reclaiming own home from perpetrator
• Counselling – for women living with or escaping violence or for family and friends concerned about loved ones who may be experiencing violence
• Referral - to counsellors, parental support, drug and alcohol services,
• Health – referral to hospital, doctors, health clinics
• Financial Support – referral to Centrelink, assistance with paperwork for payments, referral to services in times of financial hardship

Our approach to clients

Self determination
The workers at ASWS allow women to determine for themselves what they believe is the best solution for the issues they face. We understand that within the cycle of violence, many women are unable to leave their relationship the first time.  Sometimes it takes years.  Even if their decision may not seem to be the best approach by the workers, the women must be given the right to carry out what they wish to do. Our role is to provide 'support', not to tell people what to do.  This is done on the understanding between the worker/s and client that the client can change her mind at any time, even if it means returning to the relationship she was escaping ‘just to see if there is a chance for change.’ For many women, knowing that they can ‘go back and see’ and then return to the shelter if it does not work out is an enormous relief.

Rights and Responsibilities

Our approach is based upon recognising that for every right a person has they have a responsibility that goes with it. Life is a two way street. On this basis we treat women as adults who are capable of taking control of their own life. This is an important element in our service delivery as it is aimed at ensuring the women seeking our support remain in control of their own life and to that effect are given every opportunity to make personal decisions regarding their future and the future of their children.

Creating boundaries

There are basic house rules to be followed by the women during their stay. This is to ensure that all women and children living at the shelter can do so without conflict or tension.

Children

ASWS recognises that children are clients in their own right. We have a full-time Children’s Support Worker who can work with mother's/carers and their children to ensure that their children's needs are met.