RICHMOND'S The Women's Cottage has been registered as a support service for the National Redress Scheme, which was introduced by the government in 2018 as a result of recommendation by The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The Women's Cottage is a support service, for women, to assist them through the application process.
Kelly Haines, Casework Support Worker, National Redress Support Service at The Women's Cottage, said the Bosworth Street service currently covers areas from Lithgow right through to Parramatta.
"We are wanting to ensure that The Redress Scheme and information is made available to the public, and The Women's Cottage is known as a support service for those areas," Ms Haines told the Gazette.
The Women's Cottage Redress Support Service can assist women in person or by phone. They can help you understand what the Scheme offers and if it applies to your situation, explore your needs and concerns to help you decide if you will apply, and connect you to specialist legal and financial services where needed.
They can also help you find out where to go for the information you need to apply, support you with the application process, and support you after your application through to your outcome.
They can also provide a list of Redress Support Services for men if needed.
The Women's Cottage is also registered to support other services and networks by talking to personnel about the National Redress Scheme and how it may relate to their clients, and how to support them.
The National Redress Scheme was established to provide financial redress and other support services to those who experienced sexual abuse within or because of Government or Non-government institutions. This can include church and other social groups, foster care and group homes and other situations.
The Women's Cottage is staffed by specialist workers who are experienced in providing support and helping you make a plan.
Call The Women's Cottage on 02 4578 4190 for assistance. Councillors Angie Gleeson and Sarah Dillane ask that community members please call the Cottage first, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Women's Cottage is located at 22 Bosworth Street, Richmond.