Women's Support Program

What Do We Mean By Family Violence?

The definition we use is:
“family violence/intimate partner abuse is a pattern of behaviour of one person in a relationship that is dominating and controlling of the other through physical and sexual violence; threats and intimidation; emotional and social abuse; or financial deprivation.”

What Doncare does to Help

Since 2004, when Doncare received a philanthropic grant to assist women affected by family violence, Doncare has provided individual and group support for these women.

The program consists of two tiers of group support.

The “Living Free” Program is an 8 week support and educational group that looks at topics such as the nature and cycle of violence, self-esteem, assertiveness, anger management, communication skills, legal issues, grief and depression, parenting and the impact of abuse on children. Click here for Program brochure.

Women who have completed this Program can join the “Moving Forward” Group, which is an ongoing discussion and support group for women affected by past or current violence. Attendance at these groups is free, and child care is provided free of charge.

Doncare also has counsellors who can see people individually to assist with family violence issues.

For further information, please call Doncare on 9841 4215, and ask to speak to the Women’s Support Worker or the Clinical Services Manager.

What group participants have told us:

“This has been the best group for me.  It has helped me make a new start.”

“I don’t know what would have happened to me if I hadn’t found this group.  I was feeling so trapped and hopeless, but now I can make decisions again.”

“I feel like I have re-connected with my children, and they are seeing a new me.”

“I hadn’t realised how scared I was.  I don’t ever want to feel that unsafe again.”

“I just came along out of curiosity, but now I wouldn’t miss it.  It helps me get through my week.