Baldivis Belles offer domestic violence support

A GROUP of Baldivis women is offering much-needed support for victims of domestic violence.

Domestic violence can devastate its victims, often leaving them feeling worthless in every sense of the word.

So CWA Baldivis Belles has created Women’s Refuge Starter Kits, made up of basic home items that many would never consider a necessity until faced with a situation that leaves them with nothing.

Baldivis Belles president Linda Tammen said domestic violence rates were increasing, including in Baldivis, but the area was renowned for its community spirit.

“With the prevalence of domestic violence, we wanted to do a project to help the Lucy Saw Centre,” she said.

“After consulting with them, we created the kits that people fleeing a violent situation just don’t have time to think about.”

The kits contain kitchen items such as a kettle, toaster, crockery, cutlery and other household items. A list of items is on the Baldivis Belles Facebook page and people can chose to purchase as many items on it as they wish to help the group reach its goal of 10 kits for the refuge.

Item drop-off is at Willow Tree Realty in Baldivis.

“They cost $150 each and have good quality, yet cheap items in them so we can make as many kits as possible,” Ms Tammen said. “(K-mart) have been fantastic, donating an entire kit, along with Reece Whitby who has also donated an entire kit.”

Mr Whitby, the Baldivis MLA, said economic pressures in the region were a contributing factor to the problem.

“There are many without jobs; these economic pressures are adding to the rise of domestic violence incidents in the area,” he said. “People are forced to flee these situations with nothing.

“The last thing they are thinking is ‘where is my spatula, where’s my kettle?’.

“They are such small items yet it just makes a huge difference to be able to have these things when you need to start again.”

Ms Tammen said they chose new items over old as it was about sending a strong, supportive message.

“These families have been through trauma that is so demoralising we want them to feel that they are worth it, ” she said.

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