As part of WEL's Women and Children's Safety Program Proposal (WCSP) we've been asking organisations and the community to sign the online Change.org petition and the statement of support. Around 15,000 people have signed on to date.

Many told heroic stories of their family’s escape from domestic violence. Here are some of the comments from the petition.

 “I have both grown up with severe domestic violence and experienced the same in adult life. Women’s refuges are necessary. Sometimes it can mean the difference between survival, homelessness and breaking the cycle through specialist support.” 

“I was a victim of Domestic Violence and I would have been murdered if there were no refuges. The DV refuge saved saved my life, and the lives of my children.” 

“Without women’s refuges, my mum and us kids wouldn’t be here.”

“I grew up in violent home.  No one should have to live in fear.”

“I have been a victim of domestic violence, and I believe that everybody experiencing domestic violence who wants and needs to get away, has a right to have somewhere anonymous and safe where they can get their lives back together. Please help our domestic violence suffers!”

“On just one day last week at my job (working in a refuge for women escaping domestic violence), we had to say, “No we can't help you” to 25 mothers with children. Where are they now? What happens to them? How long will it be before one of them is found dead? Not to mention injured.”

“I used to be one of those women and I finally got out. We got to move on with our lives thanks to women’s DV refuges. I wouldn’t have been able to do it if I didn't have them. More women are ending up dead due to domestic violence. Federal and state governments are letting it happen - they don’t want to spend any money."

“Without women’s refuges, my grandma, father and aunty would have had no where to go in a time of struggle.”

Are you experiencing domestic and family violence or sexual assault, or seeking to support someone who is?

CALL 1800 RESPECT

The national domestic and family violence and sexual assault counselling helpline, information and support service. 1800RESPECT is available 24/7. You can call 1800 737 732 or use the online counselling service to contact a counsellor. For more information go to 1800RESPECT.org.au

If you are in immediate danger call 000.