Annual Report 2014-2015

Everyone has the right to live free from violence, fear and intimidation. Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is the Victorian Our values underpin the way statewide 24/7 first response we deliver services service for women and children and engage with those experiencing family violence. who access support. We provide intervention, support Safe Steps’ core values are: and advocacy for some of the most • Non violent vulnerable and at risk women and • Empowering children in our community. • Feminist * Safe Steps has a proud 40 year • Ethical and respectful history of offering an immediate • Collaborative family violence response that • Authoritative and informs, protects and connects evidence based women and their children so * Feminism is the advocacy of they are safe and that their women’s rights on the grounds voices are heard. of political, social, economic equality with men.

Our Services Prevention of Violence From grassroots beginnings, The prevention of violence against Safe Steps has grown to become women and children is also a key component of the work of Safe Steps a leading service for women as a social change organisation. and their children experiencing violence and abuse from a We capture and promote the voices partner or ex-partner, another of women and children to influence family member or someone positive changes in community close to them. attitudes towards violence towards women, increase sector funding, We offer women and children access drive legal reform, create policy to professional support through a changes and improve systems range of services to enable women development. and children to become – and stay – free from violence. What is Family Violence? • 24/7, 365 days a year family violence response line • Family violence can happen to • Risk assessment anyone, regardless of age, culture, sexual identity, ability, ethnicity, • Emergency accommodation religion or socio-economic status. • Safety planning • It involves an ongoing pattern of • Support threatening and violent behaviour Contents • Information in a current or former domestic, • Advocacy intimate or family relationship. Co-Chair Report ...... 3 • Referral • It includes not only physical assault, but also threats, verbal CEO Report ...... 4 abuse, sexual abuse, emotional The Evolution and psychological abuse, abuse of systems, economic abuse and of Safe Steps ...... 6 control and social abuse and isolation, cultural or spiritual abuse, Year in Review ...... 7 all of which cause a person to live in fear. Olivia’s Story ...... 9 • Family violence is most likely to Financials ...... 12 be perpetrated by men towards women and children – this makes Client Demographic family violence a gendered form of Snapshot ...... 13 violence. Governance ...... 14 Visit safesteps.org.au for more information Acknowledgements ...... 15 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015

“Our aims are to continue to improve Co-Chair the services we provide to help women and their children and to work with Report ...our stakeholders to help prevent violence against women...”

It is a tragedy that so many revise the presentation of financial and encourage positive relations with Victorian women and their children statements led by our Treasurer, Gayle them. In the coming year, Safe Steps will continue to experience family King. Saward Dawson continued to assist therefore be seeking feedback through violence, and we are acutely aware as auditors. a stakeholder engagement survey as we believe that collaboration is essential to Two Board planning days were held to of the enormity of the problem in the provision of client services. our community. focus on governance, strategic direction, organisational priorities and the The Board is especially grateful to all of As the state-wide crisis service, achievement of goals and objectives. those who have supported Safe Steps Safe Steps fielded more than 55,000 Board representation at an Australian in the past year – our major funding calls in 2014-15, a 58.7 per cent Institute of Company Directors course source, the State Government, local increase on the previous year. The on financial governance for the not for government, philanthropic trusts and number of women and children profit sector was made possible through our corporate and community partners. requiring high security accommodation a scholarship sponsored by Perpetual A special thanks to our individual from our service more than doubled. In Trustees. Board members took part in donors, who so generously support all, we accommodated more than 7,600 the Walk Against Family Violence and the work we do, and who never fail to women and their children to be safe fundraising and awareness activities respond to our calls for assistance on during the period. such as the candlelight vigil. behalf of those we help. The issue of violence against women has To share and exchange knowledge As Co-Chairs we would like to thank gained extensive media commentary and expertise with international our fellow board members, whose during the year largely due to the organisations, Safe Steps hosted guidance, support and expertise have amazing effort of , delegates from Sweden’s National Board been invaluable. Toni Campbell and Lyn Rosie Batty. We were pleased to support of Health and Welfare, Canada’s Muriel Lanham retired as Board members, both Rosie including with the establishment McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family having made valuable contributions of the Luke Batty Foundation. We owe Violence Research, and the Pacific Island to Safe Steps through their extensive an enormous debt to Rosie for her UN Women Ending Violence Against experience in the corporate and not- courage and tenacity in providing a Women Knowledge and Learning for-profit sectors and their commitment voice for women. Exchange Program. to social justice. We were delighted to welcome a new board member, Cora We want to recognise and congratulate We would like to thank Annette for her Clough, who brings extensive expertise the Victorian Government for the leadership and the Safe Steps staff and to the Board through her professional leadership shown in initiating ’s volunteers who are central to our role role as a senior banking executive. first Royal Commission on Family in providing a pathway towards a safer Violence. As the desire for change future for women and their children - Our aims are to continue to improve gathers momentum, demand on support to help them live free from violence the services we provide to women and services such as those provided by Safe and abuse. The Board is committed their children and to work with Annette, Steps increases. We were therefore to providing career and development her team and our stakeholders to help pleased that the State Government opportunities for Safe Steps employees. prevent violence against women - one of responded to our request for additional The CEO, for example, attended the the most pervasive violations of human funding to meet increased service Australian Institute of Company rights in our society. demand. Directors graduate course and we look During the year, the Board worked with forward to being further informed of our Chief Executive Officer, Annette employee development strategies and Jen Allen and Christine Gibbs Gillespie and her team to develop to implementing feedback from the staff new systems and structures to ensure survey held during the year. improved client service delivery, and to Safe Steps relies on working closely help ensure effective risk and financial with a number of stakeholders including management for the organisation’s Victoria Police, Domestic Violence progress and sustainability. A significant Victoria and the Magistrates Courts and amount of work was undertaken to we are keen to ensure that we foster

3 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015

In addition to the Vigil, Safe Steps Media Quote was once again involved in the annual “…For family violence to be present, Walk Against Family Violence. We also built important relationships with there are two key attributes to it. educational colleges and schools to CEO One of them is that one party is prevent violence happening before it in fear of the other. The other is occurs. Another highlight has been the that the abuser uses a planned, large number of opportunities Safe Report systematic approach to remove Steps has had to contribute to the a person’s confidence, support improved media coverage of family networks and independence in violence issues. The growing trend of order to highlight their own power media applying a gender lens to family violence reportage has been vital in and control within the relationship.” creating a groundswell ‘call to action’ The past year was a year in which Annette Gillespie, The Monthly, March 2015 from the community to end violence both the immediate horror and against women and children by holding perpetrators of violence accountable for In response to increasing complexity terrible fallout of family violence the harm they cause to our communities. was at the forefront of the public of presenting needs, Safe Steps has strengthened its response to family mind. It was heartening to see violence through the development of Presentations & Education heightened media coverage, a new triage service system. Ensuring Eliminating violence against women intensified government that the risk to women and children is assessed quickly, assessments are requires a strategic, multi-pronged interest, and more community conducted comprehensively, and approach. Safe Steps is committed to discussion around the issue of women are removed from further harm educating the broader community about the causes of family violence and how gender based violence in the in a timely way. Once safe, women receive full case-management support all forms of violence against women can home and in intimate partner that explores their options to remain be prevented. relationships. What is tragic safe and links them to housing, legal, To this end, in 2014-2015, presentations though, is that this renewed financial and community services. were made across the state by Safe focus came about only after It is also important to recognise the Steps’ staff to various community groups, vital role that Safe Steps plays in the organisations, and forums, including the senseless deaths of ever- protection of Victoria’s most vulnerable the Country Women’s Association AGM, increasing numbers of women citizens – its children and young the Victorian Emergency Management and children. people - with 50.1 per cent of everyone Conference, Mental Health & Family accommodated by Safe Steps being Violence Forum, and the Criterion Ending under of 18 years. Domestic Violence Conference. Our In response to an ever increasing reach extended into Federal Parliament demand for our services, the staff of Events including speaking to the Parliamentary Safe Steps have worked tirelessly to Friends to End Violence Against Women ensure women and children are able As the state-wide specialist family group. to live free from fear and abuse. As violence response service Safe Steps the first line of defense for women has a very long history of working Safe Steps recognises the need to seeking safety for themselves and their towards social change in Victoria. While support the broader community children, staff responded to more than much of the work we do at Safe Steps is through professional development. 55,000 calls in the 2014-2015 financial about providing immediate support to As a rich source of women’s ‘real time’ year and supported 7,636 women and victims of family violence, we are also experiences of family violence and the children who needed assistance to active in advocating for improvements holder of statewide data, Safe Steps escape immediate risk of serious injury to family violence policy and practice provided professional consultation to or death. While we welcomed the rising and helping to prevent violence against numerous community and corporate number of women seeking support, women through campaigns, the media, groups. We upskilled 35 survivors unfortunately, with greater awareness education and research. of violence to speak confidently to comes increased severity in violence, On 6 May 2015, Safe Steps held the media about their experience higher levels of risk for victims and Victoria’s first Shine Bright Candlelight of violence and the broader issue relentless demand on our services. Vigil at Federation Square to pay tribute of violence against women through to the women and children who have our Survivor Advocate Program. We lost their lives to family violence. It also provided a valuable professional was very moving to hear from family development program in collaboration Testimonial members who have lost their mothers, with the Office of Women’s Affairs and the Human Rights Commission so “Thanks so much for the wonderful sisters and children so senselessly to violence. However, that approximately that women mentoring other women and passionate work you all do 1,000 people from the community took in non-traditional female workplaces keeping women and kids safe with part in the Vigil is testament that the could promote and strengthen gender dignity and compassion.” community is no longer willing to allow equality. family violence to continue unchecked. 4 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015

Partners People & Culture Family violence is not just a Victorian Safe Steps recognises the importance of issue however, and ending violence a positive and encouraging workplace against women requires a national, culture to ensure staff are well equipped coordinated effort. To this end, Safe to provide the level of care required to Steps auspices the Domestic and the women and children we support. Family Violence Crisis Lines Network The past year has seen us adopt (DVFCLAN), a network of family several initiatives in keeping with this violence crisis lines in every state and philosophy. Highlights include increased territory throughout Australia, including professional development and training the national counselling line. opportunities, as well as a succession and staffing progression model. In Of course, none of our vital work November 2014, Safe Steps conducted would have been possible without the a People and Culture Survey to identify commitment and dedication of our strengths and opportunities to enhance partner organisations and networks. the work place experience. The survey The support of these groups, who also revealed that Safe Steps performed, share the vision to eliminate violence on average, over and above industry in the home, has been invaluable. standards in key performance areas. We were pleased to continue our partnership with the ‘No More Deaths’ Other improvements include the Campaign and the ANZSOG – Australia establishment of key operational & New Zealand School of Government positions, as well as a dedicated live study. Community Development Team who work closely with Police, Courts, Safe Steps was honoured to be chosen Child Protection and the Department to take part in a new pilot initiative of Justice to better develop family - the Magistrates’ Court violence responses across the state. Remote Witness Program – whereby Submissions The Community Development Team is survivors of family violence are able to Central to its goal to influence responsible for utilising the voices of give evidence in court cases from a safe government policy, inform legislation survivors of violence to influence policy location via video link. The importance and promote social change, Safe and systems improvements. The Team of this project cannot be overstated as Steps contributes towards women and also strengthens partner relationships it not only reduces survivors’ feelings children’s safety via evidence-based and evidences the value add that Safe of fear and anxiety at having to face written submissions and consultations. Steps provides to the community their abuser but, in most cases, actually In 2014, Safe Steps was asked to through robust data collection and reduces their risk of harm. appear before the Senate Finance analysis methods. Partnerships and collaborations with and Public Administration References In closing, I would like to thank the Safe Women’s Refuges, Outreach services Committee Hearing to speak to the Steps Board members for their strategic and Housing services such as Hanover/ Committee’s Inquiry into Domestic vision and leadership, as well as the HomeGround (now Launch) throughout Violence in Australia. Further to this, incredibly hard-working and dedicated the year improved outcomes for we contributed to the Victoria Police staff members and volunteers of Safe women and children. While Safe Steps’ review into the Family Violence Risk Steps. Their efforts have ensured involvement in I-Decide – Melbourne Assessment and Referral Process countless numbers of women and children University’s on-line self-determination and were a partner in developing the now have options for a safer future. It is risk assessment pilot project – helped Department of Justice’s ‘Defensive the extensive experience and diverse provide another highly-accessible way Homicide: Proposals for Legislative skills of the Safe Steps Team that allows for women to establish whether their Reform’ Consultation Paper. us to continue to be a leader in our field. relationship is healthy and connect Throughout the past year, Safe Steps them to appropriate support options. has had a constructive relationship Annette Gillespie Special mention must be made of with the Victorian Government, which our friendship and collaboration with is integral to our goal of keeping Media Quote Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty. In family violence high on the political partnership with Rosie, Safe Steps agenda. We were pleased to host visits “It’s gender roles that allow this has responded to hundreds of women from the Minister for Housing, the violence to thrive…For women, reaching out for support, many of Honourable Martin Foley and Minister society’s gender expectation is that whom have been living with violence for the Prevention of Family Violence, they will meet the needs of men: the Honourable Fiona Richardson, for many years and have, until now, women will look how men want felt unable to tell their story. We are as well as Senator Clare Moore and Tim Watts MP, Federal Member for them to look, say things men want to indebted to Rosie for all the support hear, and do things – make the right she’s given to Safe Steps and the Gellibrand. Various officials from meal, stay home for the evening – to women who reach out to her for help. Government agencies also visited our service during the year. please and nurture men…” Annette Gillespie, The Monthly, March 2015

5 The Evolution of Safe Steps

Women’s domestic and family violence services in Victoria emerged in the 1970s from a broader feminist movement concerned with inequality between women and men. Then called the Now, as always, Safe Steps staff are committed to helping women and children in need. Women’s Liberation Movement, feminists in Victoria established the Women’s Liberation Centre the Aboriginal Advancement League which excluded funding for advocacy. in La Trobe Street in 1972. They establishing Elizabeth Hoffman House It was not until the mid- that the were quickly overwhelmed with in 1979. momentum of the 1980s for reforms the number of women in crisis and service development resumed. Refuges received their first government seeking assistance in relation to funding in 1975 under community The specialist family violence sector homelessness and family violence. health funding administered by the in Victoria has evolved considerably The Halfway House Group came Federal Department of Health. In since the early 2000s, with a Victorian together in 1973 to prepare to subsequent years as homelessness Law Reform Commission inquiry establish a dedicated accommodation programs were established by the and State-wide Steering Committee site. Members of the Women’s Commonwealth, refuges sought initiating significant reforms to Liberation Centre were, at the time, inclusion under homelessness programs, responses to family violence. accommodating women in their own as they saw an opportunity to secure These processes established the homes as well as advocating about resources, and were concerned to integrated family violence response, women’s homelessness. advocate for the needs of women bringing in Victoria Police and courts. in crisis, and the gendered nature Today, the heightened awareness The Halfway House Group was very of homelessness. deliberate in its planning, and did not by government and community, that seek to occupy vacant properties like The 1980s saw considerable growth family violence not only impacts other refuges. Safe Steps’ predecessor, in family violence specialist services. individuals but affects society as a a telephone line, was established The Women’s Legal Resource Group whole, has increased the desire to at this point - before the refuge (now Women’s Legal Service Victoria) end family violence. Family violence was operational. was established in 1981, and the very specialist services are slowly increasing first pilot outreach services were their visibility amongst other service The first Victorian women’s refuge, initiated in 1987. The Women’s Refuge sectors, with family violence now being Women’s Liberation Halfway House, Referral Service (an earlier name of acknowledged as a core issue to be opened on 23rd September 1974, Safe Steps) was also funded to establish addressed. The Royal Commission into based out of a donated property. a short-term interim refuge (Trish’s Family Violence in 2015-16 will no Volunteers also accommodated Place) in 1984. Both the Federal and doubt highlight the need for systematic women in their homes. Victorian Governments became more progress and a more sophisticated During the mid to late 1970s several aware of family violence, giving more style of service delivery considering refuges opened across Victoria with emphasis to instituting legal reforms the complexities of identifying and support from a variety of sources. and awareness programs, as well as responding well to family violence. These included religious organisations, expanding services. These are times of hope for family violence specialist services as we strive local government, community welfare, The saw the stagnation of many to achieve safety, security and wellbeing health and legal services. Specialist community services programs, with for women and children who have been refuges were established from the very governments instituting neoliberal victimised by family violence, and early years, with the Italian community reforms concerned with efficiency and deserve a service system that works organisation Co-As-It establishing a streamlined service provision, and migrant women’s refuge in 1975, and for them.

6 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015

Year in review

The submission focused on providing a better response to women and children experiencing family violence, proposing a new service model, and changes to a number of related service systems including Child Protection and justice. Safe Steps has also had ongoing engagement with the new Victorian Government in the first half of 2015. We provided data to the Crime Statistics Agency and the Royal Commission into Family Violence, as well as providing training to Royal Commission staff. Safe Steps hosted visits to the service from the Minister for Housing, the Hon Martin Foley and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence the Hon Fiona Richardson, as well as officials from Government agencies. Tim Watts Safe Steps CEO, Annette Gillespie, with peak bodies and statewide service and partner organisations at MP, Federal Member for Gellibrand, also the No More Deaths rally, August 2014. visited the service in March 2015. The campaign was successful in raising Advocacy and family violence within the election The Community Development Team platforms of both political parties, with advocated for support for survivors Community the Coalition announcing an updated of family violence within the greater Action Plan to Address Violence community in 2014-15. The Team also Development Against Women & Children in October, provided community education to homelessness services, doctors, nurses, 2014-15 involved major policy and the ALP putting forward a costed mental health professionals, social advocacy and community election initiative including the Royal Commission into Family Violence. workers and support workers to improve development activities by their response to women and children Safe Steps. 2014 also saw the Safe Steps CEO experiencing family violence. appear before the Senate Finance The second half of 2014 saw us join and Public Administration References with other statewide and peak family Committee hearing to speak to the violence sector organisations to raise Committee’s Inquiry into Domestic the issue of family violence in the Violence in Australia. The CEO lead-up to the Victorian State Election emphasised the increased risk being in November. identified by Titled ‘No More Deaths’, the campaign Safe Steps’ clients, the need for national proposed 25 reforms to strengthen legislation on domestic and family Victoria’s response to family violence, and a national operational violence by: framework to drive reforms. • Keeping women and children After the State Election, the first six safe and housed months of 2015 were focused on the Royal Commission into Family Violence, • Making the justice system which commenced formally safe and supportive in late February. Safe Steps went • Holding violent perpetrators through a consultation process to to account determine the priority issues before preparing a comprehensive written • Breaking down the service silos submission to the Royal Commission. that endanger women and children Eliminating family violence against women and children is everybody’s business. • Preventing violence against women and children

7 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015

Safe Steps presented a detailed written submission to the Commission in June, outlining a comprehensive vision to keep women and children safe. We Royal Commission presented our statewide data on the experiences of women and children escaping family violence, and up-to- date knowledge of the gaps in meeting In December 2014, a newly elected their needs. Safe Steps offered a strong Royal Commission State Government committed to rationale to shift current thinking establishing a Royal Commission towards a more proactive approach to into Family into Family Violence for Victoria, and keeping women and children safe. This committed to implementing all the rationale is supported by data captured Violence. recommendations of the Commission. in ‘real time’ and the voices of women and children with a lived experience of The Premier appointed Justice Marcia the Victorian family violence system. Neave AO, then serving in the Court of Appeal in the Victorian Supreme With the Commission continuing its Court, as Chair of the Commission. activities in the latter half of 2015, Patricia Faulkner, former Secretary of times are uncertain for family violence the Department of Human Services, and specialist services and related systems. Tony Nicholson, CEO of the Brotherhood The Royal Commission has facilitated a of St. Laurence, were appointed Deputy broad conversation whose resolution Commissioners. will come about over months and years to come through implementation and The Commission was established in late refinement of its recommendations. February 2015, and is required to hand down its final report to the Government by 29th February 2016. With 12 months to conduct a thorough investigation “All responses to family violence and evaluation of Victorian systems, must address the fact that strategies and programs that respond to domestic and family violence is a family violence, the Commission had a fundamentally gendered issue... major task. Gender inequality is the main The Commission undertook community cause of family violence. consultations in April, and invited A new approach to family violence written submissions in May. The must therefore address the causes Commission received nearly 1000 written submissions from a variety of violence and seek to empower of organisations and individuals, women and children.” demonstrating the importance of Taken from Safe Steps’ Submission to the No More Deaths campaign. Roses laid on steps family violence as an issue to many Royal Commission into Family Violence, of Victorian Parliament in memory of women in the community. June 2015 and children who have been killed as a result of family violence.

Egypt where she had been studying. Civil war in Somalia meant she was Team Member unable to return to her home country. Arriving here, she quickly linked in with community groups, first as a volunteer Acknowledgement translator, then as a support worker helping women. Faduma was familiar with the work of the Women’s Domestic you didn’t intervene. “Before, the Faduma: Celebrating 15 Years Violence Crisis Service (as Safe Steps attitude was, ‘What is happening in the was then known), so when the agency of Empowering Women home is private’,” says Faduma. “We advertised for casual phone workers she through Safe Steps definitely didn’t have the amount of jumped at the opportunity to apply. “As calls we have now. Through the years, When Faduma started at Safe Steps a young girl I always wanted to work for the calls have increased…Through all Family Violence Response Centre 15 women’s rights…When I started working of the work in the community, creating years ago, things were very different. here, I knew. This is what I want. This is awareness about family violence, the Just five workers covered the 24/7 where I belong.” service grew.” phone service, and the prevailing Now, 15 years later, Faduma is heartened community attitude was that family Born of Somali parents in Yemen, by the changes in attitude she sees violence was a ‘private matter’ in which Faduma had come to Australia from within the community, the media and 8 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015

Olivia’s Story

Olivia was no stranger to violence in the home. As a child, her drug affected parents were frequently in and out of prison and she was continually being moved between relatives’ and strangers’ homes. Violence was the only constant in Olivia’s life, as she was both physically and emotionally abused 35 per cent of all reported incidents of family violence have been witnessed by a child. by her parents and the relatives she stayed with. desperate and had nowhere else to The safe house is warm and friendly, go. Olivia had been contacted by Child staffed by family violence specialists Tragically, when she grew older, Olivia Protection who were concerned about who were able to provide some comfort continued to experience violence in her and relief to Olivia and her children own domestic relationship. The father of her and her three children who, having before a longer-term place became her three children would physically and left the family home, had no permanent available in a metropolitan refuge. emotionally abuse her in front of the living arrangements. Child Protection children. The violence grew increasingly wanted Olivia to enter into a refuge for Further down the track, Safe Steps was worse as time went on. her and her children’s safety. Olivia felt able to work collaboratively with the there was no where they could go to Not only was she afraid for her safety, longer-term refuge to ensure Olivia feel safe. but Olivia was determined to give her gained priority transitional housing, children a better start in life than what Safe Steps were able to accommodate as well as supporting her through she was given. She knew she had to Olivia and her three children in numerous court hearings to get full leave her partner, even though she had Emergency Safe House Accommodation. custody of her three children. no money or resources to do so. This accommodation provides a safe With assistance from Safe Steps, Olivia By the time Olivia called the Safe Steps haven for women and their children was on the path to providing the safe 24/7 Family Violence Response Line for up to two weeks until other, more and happy childhood for her children for information and support she was permanent, arrangements can be made. she always dreamed of having herself. the legal system towards violence in something. Something that may give her the home. “It used to be seen, when power later on. “Even when it is a brief a woman was killed (by her partner), intervention, you know that you have that she aggravated the situation or had some influence in that woman’s something… Like it was basically the journey.” woman’s fault. Now, people understand As a woman who has given so much this is not the case.” to her community, it is perhaps not Over the years, Faduma has helped surprising that Faduma says her own life thousands of women and children journey has been enriched through her escape family violence. She is confident involvement with Safe Steps and the she has also made a difference to the women who call on the service for help. women she helps who remain within the “Over the years I have worked with a lot relationship. “Some women leave. Some of amazing women who have had a lot of women stay. Some women are confused amazing experiences,” she says. “Even about what to do and it takes them a though I work to empower women, I feel long time to leave the situation...Even if a lot of women who have come into my the woman doesn’t want to come to the life through Safe Steps have service at the time when I speak to her, I empowered me.” feel she goes away and she has left with 9 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015

Community Partnerships

During their speaking engagements, Advocates covered topics including family violence leave in the work force, people’s attitudes towards violence against women, relationships, and sex and gender equality. Advocates were also invited to share their story and experience at the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Events Re-launch 18 November 2014 In November 2014, after many months of consultation with key stakeholders, our organisation (formerly Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service) changed its name to Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre. The choice was made to better reflect our broad client base and the Annette Gillespie with Senior Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Joy Murphy (L) wide range of services we deliver, and Deputy Chief Magistrate, Felicity Broughton (R). including prevention, early intervention and advocacy. Volunteer Survivor regardless of education, economic status, age, religion, culture or ethnicity. But while our name has changed, our Advocate Program mission and vision remains the same, A few highlights from the Safe Steps being to: Another hallmark of 2014-2015 Volunteer Survivor Advocates during was the ongoing success of the 2014-2015: • Keep women and their children who are living with violence safe Safe Steps Volunteer Survivor • November 2014 - an Advocate Advocate Program, which saw a located in regional Victoria spoke • Provide women with access to growing number of participants to the ABC about the challenges of 24/7 information, referrals, safe engage with audiences to influence experiencing family violence in a accommodation and support rural location. change through the media and the • Empower women by giving them wider community. • December 2014 – an Advocate the steps they can take to make safe The Survivor Advocate Program shared her personal experience with choices for themselves and their empowers women who have employees at the City of Whittlesea children Council. experienced family violence to break • Prevent violence against women and their silence and have a voice in the • March 2015 – an Advocate spoke their children before it occurs prevention of violence against women at the ‘Changing Culture, Changing • Create sustainable intergenerational and children. Women who have Lives’ - A forum on preventing change through systemic survived family violence are trained and violence against women held development and community supported on how to use their personal in St Kilda. story to change society’s attitudes and education beliefs that fuel and enable violence • March 2015 - an Advocate spoke The new name Safe Step has been against women. at the Department of Human well received by our key stakeholders, & Human Services for ‘Cultural including Victoria Police, partner This year, a key focus for the advocates Diversity Week’. has been to educate the community agencies, state-wide refuges and and the media to better understand that • July 2015 - an advocate spoke community supporters and, most family violence can happen to anyone, alongside Safe Steps’ CEO Annette importantly, the women and children Gillespie at ‘A Conversation with we support. Justice Students’ at RMIT University.

10 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015

Shine Bright Candlelight Vigil The inaugural Shine Bright Candlelight Vigil, held on Wednesday 6 May 2015 at Federation Square in Melbourne, was a poignant and stirring event which brought the community together to remember women and children who have lost their lives to family violence. The Vigil saw Safe Steps CEO, Annette Gillespie, come together with Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Fiona Richardson, Victoria Police Acting Commissioner, Tim Cartwright and of the Year, Rosie Batty, to light a candle to “Shine Bright” in memory of women and children who have lost their lives, as well as those who are still living with family violence. Annette Gillespie with Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty and students from Korowa Anglican Girls School, 2015 Shine Bright Candlelight Vigil. Channel 7 news reporter and Safe Steps supporter, Jacqueline Felgate, was the MC for the event which saw nearly 1,000 people from within the community take part and light a candle to Shine Bright. The Candlelight Vigil is a national event lead by the women’s crisis service in each state and territory. It is planned that the Shine Bright Candlelight Vigil will take place annually on the first Wednesday in May in support of other vigils held simultaneously in each state and territory. The aim is to create a national movement to remember the women, children and men whose lives have At the Walk Against Family Violence been taken by perpetrators of family violence. Walk Against New Day Box Initiative Family Violence 2014-2015 saw a record number of shoe This long running, annual event was boxes filled with donated cosmetics held on Tuesday 25 November 2014, at and toiletries delivered to women in Federation Square in Melbourne. It saw emergency accommodation as part of over 2,000 people stand together for the New Day Box initiative. Safe Steps’ the United Nations International Day corporate partner, Envato PL, headed for the Elimination of Violence against the charge organising and inspiring Women. The premise of the day is to other supporters to donate enough raise awareness that women around pamper items to fill over 3,000 shoe the world continue to be subjected to boxes of special gifts. family violence, rape and other forms The New Day Boxes were distributed of violence. by Safe Steps across the state through A key aim of the day is to highlight that our accommodation partners, to give the scale and true nature of the issue women in emergency accommodation is often hidden. This year the event some essential items over the was supported by Australian of the holiday season. Year Rosie Batty and Former Police Candlelight Vigil, May 2015. Annette Gillespie A huge thanks to Envato PL for their with Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner, Commissioner Ken Lay. amazing efforts making the New Day Dean McWhirter and the then Acting Chief Box initiative such a success. Commissioner, Tim Cartwright.

11 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015

Financial Summary

Summary of Statement of Comprehensive Summary Balance Sheet as at June 2015 Income for year ended 30 June 2015 Current assets 3,163,500 2,303,500 Non-current assets 67,766 92,023 2015 ($) 2014 ($) Total Assets 3,231,266 2,395,523 Total Income 4,235,109 3,193,124 Current liabilities 954,191 361,277 Expenditure Non-current liabilities 8,520 16,188 Total Liabilities 962,711 377,465 Client Direct Relief 1,250,233 563,011 Operating costs 2,734,379 2,244,467 Net Assets 2,268,555 2,018,058 Total expenditure 3,984,612 2,807,478 Equity Total Comprehensive 250,497 385,646 Retained earnings 2,268,555 2,018,058 Income for the Year Total Equity 2,268,555 2,018,058

We expressed an unmodified audit Auditor’s Opinion opinion on that financial report in our report dated 20 October 2015. In our opinion, the summary financial Independent statements derived from the audited The summary financial statements do financial report of Safe Steps Family Audit Report not contain all the disclosures required Violence Response Centre Inc for the by Associations Incorporation Reform year ended 30 June 2015 are consistent, Act 2012 and the Australian Charities in all material respects, with that and Not for profits Commission Act audited financial report, on the Safe Steps Family Violence 2012. Reading the summary financial basis described in Note 1. Response Centre Inc statements, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial report ABN: 86 138 521 643 Saward Dawson Chartered Accountants of Safe Steps Family Violence Response Independent Audit Report to the Centre Inc. Members of Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Inc Management For the Year Ended 30 June 2015 Responsibility for the Summary Financial Report Report on the Summary Management is responsible for Financial Report the preparation of the summary The accompanying summary financial financial report. statements, which comprises the summary Balance Sheet as at 30 June Auditor’s Responsibility Peter Shields 2015 and the summary statement of Our responsibility is to express an Partner comprehensive income for the year opinion on the summary financial Blackburn VIC then ended, are derived from the statements based on our procedures, 20th October, 2015 audited financial report of Safe Steps which were conducted in accordance Family Violence Response Centre Inc with Auditing Standard ASA 810 for the year ended 30 June 2015. Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements.

12 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015

Client Demographic Snapshot

For the period 1 July 2014 responded to a call for assistance assessment, safety planning and to 30 June 2015, Safe Steps from women at risk every three referral to community support. provided over 16,000 emergency minutes. A third of these calls More than 50% of women accommodation beds for women were from women at high risk of who contacted Safe Steps and children for whom the family serious injury and/or death who experienced more than one of home had become too dangerous. needed an immediate response to the risk indicators likely for get them to safety. Safe Steps fielded over 150 serious injury or death: threats calls a day – over 55,000 calls Of those not requiring to kill, strangulation, sexual in the period - from women accommodation, Safe Steps assault, threats with a weapon seeking help. In peak times, we provided all with extensive risk and stalking.

Women and Children Country of Birth of those Age of those Assisted Accommodated Accommodated The majority of women and children In 2014-15, more than half of all clients accommodated by Safe Steps in accommodated by Safe Steps were 2014-15 were born in Australia. Other children, with 50.14% of accommodated common countries of origin were New clients aged under 18. Zealand, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Iran and the Republic of the Sudan. Significant 66+yrs undisclosed 33.5% 33.5% 46-65yrs numbers of those we helped were also born in India, China, the Philippines and Lebanon. The total proportion of those born overseas was 20.6%.

Country of birth Percentage 0-8yrs 33% Australia 57.42% 26-45yrs New Zealand 2.78% Afghanistan 2.49% Provided information & referral Vietnam 1.37% Safe Steps supported & referred 18- 9-17yrs  into community Iran 1.21% 25yrs Safe Steps case-managed Sudan 1.10%   & accommodated Other 13.58% Undisclosed 22.00%

Increase in Risk Factors • Safe Steps received calls for support The overall risk factors experienced by Statistics from women in every postcode in our clients have also increased in the past Victoria and every State and Territory 12 months: • The number of women and in Australia. children requiring high • Safe Steps experienced a 23% security accommodation from Assessed Level of increase in calls over the period Percentage Safe Steps more than doubled Risk – 2014-15 November 2014 to January 2015 (130.8% increase) between correlating with the Royal Commission Requires immediate March 2013 and March 2015 57.42% into Family Violence announcement. protection • The number of calls Safe Steps • There was a 36% increase in the Elevated risk 2.78% receives increased by 58.7% level of risk identified to women and between March 2013 and At Risk 2.49% children in the community between March 2015. 2012 and mid 2015. Not at risk 1.37% 13 Board Directors Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015 About Us

Jen Allen (Co-Chair)

Christine Gibbs (Co-Chair)

Members of the Safe Steps staff Leadership Team

Gayle King (Treasurer) Safe Steps Family Violence Response growing demand on our service. Within the Centre is incorporated under the growth we saw the recruitment of more staff for Associations Incorporation Reform Act the service delivery team as well as Officer roles to support the Executive Managing team. 2012 and is governed by a board of directors who are responsible for the The Safe Steps Executive Management strategic direction that will lead the Team support the Chief Executive Officer in implementing the strategic plan and managing organisation to achieving its values the operations and functions of the organisation. and goals. In 2014-2015, the Executive Team comprised: Cora Clough Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Board monitors the performance of Safe Annette Gillespie: Steps to achieve our strategic goals within Chief Executive Officer budget and to build strong foundations that will Molly O’Shaughnessy: secure long term sustainability. General Manager Operations The Board’s primary role is to is to set the Carolyn Moorshead: strategic direction for the organisation and Manager Marketing, monitor performance against budget. It also Fundraising & Communications ensures that the activities of Safe Steps are directed towards achieving its mission to be Christine Arthur/Kerry Durrand: Gayathri Paramasivam the voice for the prevention and elimination of Manager Corporate Services violence against women and children in Victoria. The Executive Team is supported by a Leadership The Board will ensure that this mission is Team which is made up of members of staff achieved in the most efficient and effective who provide the organisation with support and way possible. leadership, most assist a member of the Executive Team on a daily basis. Collectively, the Board Members of Safe Steps The Leadership Team’s dedicated planning bring extensive experience and diverse skills to days identify the challenges and opportunities support the Chief Executive Officer to implement currently facing the organisation. the strategic plan. Joan Richardson Management and staff are committed Safe Steps Management to implementing effective family violence strategies that support women, children and and Staff communities to be free from violence and abuse. Staff and volunteers are the backbone of Safe Whilst there is still much to do we are confident Steps Family Violence Response Centre. They progress is being made towards improving work tirelessly to ensure that women and women and children’s safety. Together, and children are kept safe and out of harm in our with determination, we will improve the lives of community. In the 2014-2015 financial year we women and their children and help them achieve saw the organisation grow as a result of the safety while reaching their full potential. 14 Wendy Steendam Acknowledgements

The support of the community, • Launch donors, volunteers, schools, • White House Institute of Design businesses and corporations is • Royal Women’s Hospital fundamental to our ability to • Independent School Victoria deliver quality services to • Brighton Grammar women and children. A sincere thank you is extended to all who • Wesley College have generously contributed to • Melbourne Grammar School the organisation. • Trinity Grammar School We expressly acknowledge the • Medibank following for their continual • Mercedes-Benz Brighton support: • Jayco Partnerships are vital to the success of Safe Steps • Victorian State Government • Boncal Family Foundation • Department of Health and • Street Smart Human Services • The Pratt Family Foundation • Vic Health • Lord Mayor’s Charitable • Victoria Police Foundation • Federation Square • The Jack and Hedy Brent • Tink PR Foundation • is. advertising • Victorian Women’s Trust • Virage IT • Funk Family Trust • Rosie Batty • Carla Zampatti Foundation • The Luke Batty Foundation • IWIRC Victoria Branch • Jacqueline Felgate • The Holland Foundation • Nancy Bassett • Grill’d QV • Envato PL • Safe Steps Volunteer Survivor • Secure Pay Advocates • Women’s Legal Service Victoria • Safe Steps Staff • Melbourne Magistrates Court • Safe Steps Partner Agencies New Day Boxes awaiting collection

Partnering with Safe Steps Not only are there plenty of simple and • Provide executive or staff practical ways you and your colleagues development around gender issues Part of our focus here at can work together to help women and and family violence awareness. children affected by family violence Safe Steps is to work with all who • Provide support and resources to through Safe Steps, but there are also want to eliminate violence against staff members experiencing family many things we, as an organisation, can violence. women and children. Therefore, do for you and your team. we are always keen to establish • Provide secondary consultation to This includes: partnerships with businesses senior staff and HR departments or corporate groups within • Arranging for a Safe Steps worker or around supporting a staff member the community. Survivor Advocate to speak about experiencing family violence. the issue of family violence at your workplace. For more information, please contact Safe Steps on (03) 9928 9600

15 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Annual Report 2014-2015

Safe Steps is the Victorian state-wide service for women experiencing violence and abuse from a partner, ex-partner, another family member or someone close to you. The service is staffed by women and you can call confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

One in three women experience family violence.

For confidential support Free Call 1800 015 188 or visit and information call: safesteps.org.au

You can help by: • Making a donation Testimonials “The workers listened to me • Making a monthly gift and enabled me to say out • Remembering Safe Steps loud to someone all that has in your Will happened and they reassured • Holding a fundraising me that I was going to be safe event and have a lot of support.” - Woman who was supported by • Becoming a corporate Safe Steps sponsor • Donating your time or “Thank you for all your help, service you have been really helpful and made us feel safe. Once • Becoming a volunteer again thank you, because of • Making a Gifts in Kind you we are more happy in Donation ourselves. We are going to miss you”. - Two children who stayed in 1800 015 188 Safe Steps safe house, aged 9 and 11.

For further information contact us at our head office on the details below: Email: [email protected] Post: GPO Box 4396 Melbourne VIC 3001 Phone: (03) 9928 9600 ABN: 86 138 521 643