Kara House offer a range of programs to assist women and children in situations of control and abuse. These include crisis accommodation, emotional support, children’s services and community education.
Violence Response Centre (details below).
If you are experiencing family violence or you’re concerned for someone’s safety and need immediate assistance:
If you require crisis support and information: www.safesteps.org.au
Kara House provides a confidential outreach support service to women experiencing family violence. We can provide support and information regarding your legal rights, accommodation options, and referral to counselling services, court support or other services as identified. Our Useful Resources section has more information about other family violence support services and brochures.
Part of the Victorian Women’s Crisis Accommodation service.
Highly secure accommodation that prioritises their safety in the immediate crisis.
Provision of material aid to address immediate needs.
Names and details have been changed to protect client privacy.
Amal was referred to Kara House by the Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service in early 2011 after she fled the family home with her two teenage daughters. Amal met her husband, a resident of Australia, in Lebanon in 2009, whilst he was on holiday. A year later they married and she moved to Australia with her daughters. Within months of their married life, Amal was a victim of domestic violence perpetrated by her husband, and his former wife. Amal was sexually abused, financially abused and she was isolated. Several weeks later, unobserved by her husband, Amal and her daughters walked out of the house. A passer-by seeing the distressed family took them to a police station and three days later she was in Kara House. Amal could not speak English, did not have permanent residency, and didn’t know Australia or its laws and customs. She had no money, was responsible for two children, was homeless and could not return to Lebanon. Over the three weeks that Amal was in refuge, Kara House helped her to link into a GP, Centrelink, migration support, sexual assault counselling and legal aid. Kara House also provided Amal with food vouchers and material aid for 10 weeks before she was eligible for Centrelink income. She was taught basic living skills – how to catch public transport, where to shop, Australian money, the Court system. Amal and the children were transferred to a transitional property with the help of Kara House and her support continued. There were many court visits which impacted greatly on Amal’s health. She was linked into a psychologist. The children were enrolled into a language school and they commenced counselling. Amal and her daughters remained in transitional housing until 2014 when she was offered a property through the Department of Housing. Amal can now speak English, she has permanent residency and she receives a benefit from Centrelink. Her daughters speak English and have continued on with their education. They are settled and they feel safe.
Sarah, an aboriginal pregnant woman, came to our service in late 2013. Sarah had two other children that were in Department of Human services care. Sarah had a long history of distrust with the system and believed her unborn child would be taken by DHS. As soon as Sarah came into refuge, she was linked in with the local doctor and pregnancy services to assist her with her birth. Kara House advocated with DHS for Sarah to be given a chance with her child. Sarah was put in a transitional property while pregnant and moved to a two bedroom property appropriate for when she gave birth. With stable accommodation, Sarah was able to successfully set up for the birth of her child. Sarah felt positive for her future. Sarah gave birth earlier this year to a healthy baby boy closely observed by Kara House and other services we had referred her to. This including a close link to her culture through an Aboriginal Family Strengthening program. Odyssey House were also involved through the Kids in Focus program and worked intensively with Sarah to parent positively. Sarah is now attending young parenting groups and doing well. She also has access to her two other children – something that had seemed impossible 12 months ago. With stability and support she has been able to turn her life around.
The group is for women and their children who have experienced family violence and might be feeling alone, stuck and overwhelmed. It's a safe place to take time out, improve your well-being and develop strategies for the future. Over 6 weeks enjoy relaxation activities and time to talk with other women with similar circumstances. The group is facilitated by our Specialist Family Violence Practitioners who understand your situation and are there to help.
The next group will be starting later in this year - to stay informed pleased contact Kara House on 1800 900 520 or email admin@karahouse.org.au
| Details for the next group | |
|---|---|
| Starts | Next group will be starting later this year. |
| Times | 10am - 12pm |
| Location | Box Hill |
| Childcare | Free by prior arrangement |
| Refreshments | Morning tea will be served |
| Transport | Close to public transport - assistance with transport may be available with prior arrangement. |
Family Violence Support Group Brochure
Who is the Family Violence Support Group appropriate for?
Women and children who have been impacted by family violence. Women of all ages and backgrounds who are feeling stuck and overwhelmed and isolated.
Who runs it?
The group is facilitated by two Specialist Family Violence Practitioners who are trained in family violence counselling.
What are the activities?
Activities will include Art Therapy and Music Therapy facilitated by trained professionals. These creative therapies are used to bring out thoughts and start discussion. Massage, breathing exercises and Tai Chi will be used to relax and break down barriers.
Childcare?
Free Childcare will be available on site by prior arrangement. Contact Kara House on 1800 900 520 or email admin@karahouse.org.au
Referrals?
Clients can be referred by Doctors, Schools, Housing Services, Family Services, private and government organisations. Those wishing to attend will need to email or ring Kara House so we can check that they are appropriate for the group and confirm the safety of other clients attending.
Process?
Simply Contact Kara House on 1800 900 520 or email admin@karahouse.org.au to make sure you are the right fit for the group and to arrange childcare.