International Women’s Day 2025
Thirty years ago, the world made a promise. Leaders gathered in Beijing and declared that women and girls deserved a future free from discrimination, violence, and inequality. Yet, here we stand in 2025, still working to fulfil that promise.
At Pop In, we know that real change begins at the community level. We support women and children from all walks of life who have experienced domestic violence, sexual abuse, coercive control, and financial abuse. With your continued support, we have seen how community-led action can transform lives. Domestic violence is not just an individual crisis—it affects families, communities, and society as a whole.
The latest statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (February 2025) highlight the scale of this issue. Since the age of 15:
1 in 6 women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a current or previous cohabiting partner.
1 in 4 women have experienced emotional abuse by a current or previous cohabiting partner.
1 in 6 women have experienced economic abuse by a current or previous cohabiting partner.
1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence.
As we mark Beijing+30, this International Women's Day is not just a moment of reflection—it is a call to action. The world cannot afford to take a step back, and neither can we. We must March Forward together, ensuring that every woman and girl can live free from fear and have the opportunity to thrive.
Pop In: A Community Taking Action
Pop In was created by the community, for the community, in response to a critical need. We recognised that ending domestic violence is not just the responsibility of governments and policymakers—it requires a whole-of-community approach.
We provide more than just a service hub; we offer a network of support where women and children navigating domestic violence can find kindness, safety, stability, and resources to move forward at their own pace. We have seen women leave violent situations and move forward —not just because of the services we provide, but because of the support and commitment of our community. Thank you.
Jessica’s Story: Rebuilding with Community Support
When Jessica* first walked through the doors of Pop In, she was exhausted and afraid, holding her six-month-old baby. She had been referred to Pop In by the Domestic Violence Liaison Officer (DVLO) at NSW Police after making the difficult decision to report her ex-partner for domestic violence. The police took swift action, applying for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) to protect Jessica and her child.
Jessica’s ex-partner—her baby’s father—had a history of domestic violence convictions. She knew she had to break free for her child’s safety, but the road ahead was daunting. She needed financial stability, legal protection, safe housing, emotional support, and a way to start over. She had no idea where to begin.
Jessica’s needs were urgent and complex
She lacked financial resources and needed immediate support for basic necessities.
She was navigating police and legal systems, including the ADVO and Family Law Court proceedings.
She faced logistical challenges that compromised her safety, such as securing private mail delivery.
She was isolated, cut off from friends and family, and needed support to reconnect with the community.
She needed safe housing, away from the threat of violence.
Most importantly, she needed a supportive network to walk beside her as she navigated this new chapter.
From the moment Jessica arrived, Pop In worked alongside her, ensuring she was not facing these challenges alone. Step by step, we helped Jessica rebuild her life by providing
Financial Stability: Assistance in accessing Centrelink support and securing an Immediate Needs Support Package through Victims Services.
Legal & Safety Advocacy: Liaising with police and the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) to uphold Jessica’s AVO and provide Family Law Court support.
Housing Support: Helping Jessica apply for Start Safely, a program providing rental assistance for women escaping domestic violence.
Safety & Security Measures: Arranging for mail redirection through Australia Post to protect her location.
Emotional & Community Support: Connecting Jessica with community programs at Pop In, helping her rebuild relationships, and providing emotional support and case management, including safety planning and legal document guidance.
Jessica has now been engaged with Pop In for 14 months and continues to receive support. While her journey has been long, she is no longer walking it in fear.
She now has financial security, safe housing, and a growing sense of confidence in navigating legal and parenting matters. Most importantly, she is rebuilding her life on her own terms, free from violence.
Jessica’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the power of community support. Through Pop In, women like Jessica are not just surviving—they are finding hope, reclaiming independence, and creating safer futures for themselves and their children.
Marching Forward—Together
The theme for International Women’s Day this year—March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls—is more than just a slogan. It is a commitment to action. It is a reminder that we cannot be silent when women’s lives are at risk.
The Beijing Platform envisioned a world where women could live without fear, without barriers, and without limits. Thirty years later, we have made progress, but we are not yet where we need to be.
We have a choice. We can accept the status quo, or we can March Forward and work towards a future where domestic violence is no longer tolerated.
At Pop In, we choose to March Forward with our community, helping to ensure that Wingecarribee is recognised as a place where safety, dignity, and respect for women and girls are fundamental rights—not privileges.
With your support, we can make this vision a reality.
Vicki Kelley
Chair and Co-Founder