Domestic violence has been and continues to be an issue in Australia. Highlighting the seriousness and wide-spread nature of the problem – the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare have released some alarming statistics on domestic violence:
- 1 in 6 women have experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or previous cohabitating partner (and 1 in 16 men). *
- 25 percent of women (and 5 percent of men) have experienced emotional abuse from a previous or current cohabiting partner. *
- 1 in 5 women (and 1 in 20 men) have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. *
Overall, there are groups that are more vulnerable to physical (and/or sexual) abuse. These include children and young women.
Ruth’s Hub
So How Can We Help Our Aussie Women and Children? Where Can You go in Cairns for Support? That’s Where Ruth’s Hub Steps In.
Ruth’s Hub is a safe space for women and children located in Raintrees Shopping Centre – whether they are just dropping in for a quick chat or seeking additional support and resources.
We spoke with Shelly from the hub for a better idea of what they can provide.
How Can Ruth’s Hub help women and children who come in?
“At Ruth’s Hub we provide a safe space where women and children can simply drop in for a chat and a cup of tea. We can provide advice and information on a domestic violence and the services that are available. Women can also have access to the internet and our computers. They can also use our phones which means they can make contact with other services in a private location.”
“Additionally, there are some great opportunities to meet people who have had similar experiences and to make new friends. Women can also find a sense of purpose which they often have lost. This is done by volunteering for an hour or so, helping us to sort donated clothing. Plus, we also run activity groups at Ruth’s Hub. Women can join the groups, or they can also be involved in running a small activity group if they have a particular skill like art or knitting or music.”
“We are trying to create a safe space where women can get advice and support and also find a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose.”
What kind of domestic and family violence support can the Hub provide?
“At Ruth’s Hub we can provide information and advice about the services that are available. We hope these will give the women options to think about. In addition, we can also advocate on their behalf and support them to make applications, fill in forms, connect with other agencies or services.
We can assist women to start working on a plan, thinking about their goals and what needs to happen to achieve them.”
What are the activity groups and why are they important/beneficial?
“We offer a range of activity groups including arts and crafts, and parenting. We are also open to anyone in the community who has a particular skill, running a small group at Ruth’s Hub. Groups not only mean that women can develop new skills, but they can also make new friends and create a wider social network of supports.”
How is safety at Ruth’s Hub guaranteed?
Ruth’s Hub is located in a safe place in Raintrees Shopping Centre. There are security guards on duty and CCTV cameras. The Police Beat Office is also right next to where we are located, and our staff are trained in practices to minimise risk.”
Additionally, here is a small informational clip on Ruth’s Hub:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZRneKYweAA
Head to www.ruthswomensshelter.com.au
for more information and contact details.
You can also head into Shop 108 at Raintrees Shopping Centre between 9.00am and 3.00pm Monday to Friday. Phone them on 4281 6899 and Email: hub@ruthswomensshelter.com.au
