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With over 55% of shelter seekers stating domestic violence as their main reason for seeking refuge, independent charities are working together to increase the number of shelters located across Sydney. These shelters provide women with the appropriate support to help rebuild their lives.The Sanctuary is one such organisation that helps women in crisis access vital services regardless of their race, age or income. The Sanctuary’s The Hills Women’s Shelter opened earlier in the year to provide emergency accommodation in a safe and supportive environment.
“Sadly, The Sanctuary is the only crisis shelter in North West Sydney that can take women and children and unfortunately its staff have been inundated with calls for help. I believe the government, business and community should do more to provide necessary funding for the establishment and operation of these shelters.” – Tony Merhi, Philanthropist and property developer
In support of The Hills Women’s Shelter, The Sanctuary hosted a Winter Wonderland Gala Dinner. The dinner was the organisation’s most influential fundraising event of the year. The night was sponsored by Merc Capital and attended by Australian business leaders, TV personalities and members of The Hills local community.
Tony Merhi, was quoted on the night as saying “For a woman to get out of the situation she faces, she needs a range of support services, not just help finding affordable housing. It is vital that The Sanctuary have all the resources that they need to continue this work.”
According to Homelessness Australia, in Australia, “at least 2,800 women fleeing domestic violence are turned away each year.” Domestic and family violence are the main reasons for female and child homelessness with 1 in 3 Australian women experiencing violence in their lifetime.
In most cases, abusive and violent behaviour occurs behind closed doors and in the privacy of the family home. Often, children are witness to this behaviour, affecting them for life – with 89% of children taken out of dangerous domestic situations are under the age of 12.
One in two women across Australia who seek a bed in a crisis shelter are turned away each night, mostly due to a lack of space. Many of these women will seek alternative shelter on trains, other public transport services or in cars. There are over 2,200 women in improvised lodgings, tents or sleeping out.
For more information about The Sanctuary, you can visit their Facebook page.
Contact Info:
Name: Tony Merhi Press & Media
Email: Send Email
Organization: Tony Merhi
Address: Suite 306, 25 Solent Circuit, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
Phone: (02) 9899 4000
Website: http://www.tonymerhi.com.au/
Release ID: 150700
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