Sister System

WOWSafe’s Sister System provides community support for people experiencing domestic abuse. WOWSafe has developed guidelines on how to keep this contact appropriate and safe for both helpers and helpees. Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed except for travel to WOWSafe meetings.

Telephone Support

WOWSafe women provide phone assistance to distressed people regarding abuse issues. This provides the support women need when loneliness sets in after leaving an abusive relationship and when women are feeling confused and uncertain because of ongoing harassment or in their dealings with the Family Court.

Companion Support

Accompanying women to Court, to police stations, to Government Departments and other anxiety arousing situations in which people who have experienced abuse need to be able to prepare beforehand, think clearly during the contact, stand up for their rights and debrief afterwards.

WOWSafe members may accompany women to Women’s Support Groups to help them feel safe going into a new group.

Practical Support

Occasional transport assistance is available for women to attend Court or other necessary appointments to address safety issues.

From time to time WOWSafe women can provide child care and assist a woman to move their and their children’s belongings.

Clothing and household goods can be exchanged within the group or donated by others through WOWSafe.

POP Social Club

WOWSafe members have a monthly movie night at the Semaphore Odeon  and arrange other social outings for isolated women and children on tight budgets. This extended family-like culture can help children feel more confident and secure. WOWSafe women encourage children and teenagers affected by abuse to spend time with each other socially and in moments of stress so that traumatised youngsters can feel less alone. Frequently children’s experiences in family crises are not recognized and they can seem to be coping well in order not to draw attention to their pain.