Women’s Cottage hopes pamphlets increase awareness of domestic violence

The pamphlets are being distributed by the network, which is linked to domestic violence support agency The Women’s Cottage, as they hope to spread awareness of the scourge of domestic violence, and the ways victims can seek help (see support numbers below).

The Women’s Cottage counsellor Sophie Montgomery said many victims of domestic violence felt like they had no place to turn, and efforts such as this were to show that they did.

“In the Hawkesbury there is a really profound problem with domestic violence,” she said.

“Advocacy is really important, as we try to necessitate positive talks about this topic.”

Montgomery said The Women’s Cottage was at its core a resource organisation, whose purpose was to assist victims of domestic violence in any way they could.

She said much of the work they did was to put people in touch with Legal Aid, or other organisations which could be of assistance for women trying to escape such a relationship.

“Domestic violence is really complicated and it is often isn't as simple as saying ‘why don't you just leave’,” she said.

“We want to make sure women and their children are safe and that if they want to leave that situation they have the ability to do.”

Montgomery said one thing she thought could be helpful, but often wasn’t done, was if someone saw or suspected someone was in a relationship where domestic violence occurred, was to say something.

She said an open confrontation often was a poor choice, and her suggestion was to offer support.

“Just being there and supportive. That is probably the best option, it can be enormously beneficial just being there,” she said.

“I really wish if people would see something, then say something. if you have any inclination that someone you know might be in that situation then reach out.”