Pop In Newsletter June 2024
Dear Supporter and Friend,
Since our last update, an additional 8 women have tragically lost their lives to gender based violence, bringing the national total for the first half of 2024 to 35—a deeply concerning statistic that demands immediate attention.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rightfully identified this as a "national crisis," and our NSW Premier recently underscored the severity of the issue on social media, emphasising his government's commitment to action. So, what steps are actually being taken?
In 2022, the Commonwealth Government introduced The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032. This comprehensive policy framework outlines four key pillars: Prevention, Early Intervention, Response, and Recovery and Healing. All States and Territories have endorsed this plan, committing to specific actions.
Recognising the complex nature of gender-based domestic violence and abuse, these plans emphasise the need for a coordinated, community-wide response involving government bodies, businesses, media, educational institutions, and community organisations. This collaborative effort is crucial for providing both immediate support and facilitating long-term recovery and healing for women and children.
Recently, I had a productive meeting with Wendy Tuckerman MP for Goulburn. We discussed how Pop In’s programs and activities, which are completely philanthropy funded, are aligned with the National Plan and the NSW's priorities under the "First Action Plan.”
Wendy Tuckerman MP and Vicki Kelley - Co-Founder and Chair
During our discussion, we reviewed Pop In's operational model, which ensures women and children can access our services at any point of need. Initially focusing on meeting basic needs, we prioritise creating a safe environment where individuals feel heard and supported. As trust builds, clients transition to accessing a full spectrum of services with our specialised case workers.
Understanding that each individual's journey is unique, we tailor our support accordingly. Our approach integrates intensive case management and collaboration with partner organisations to establish a robust support network, guiding women and children through the challenges of domestic violence and abuse.
Wendy has been a steadfast advocate for Pop In and has pledged to continue supporting our cause, including making a Parliamentary Members Statement to raise awareness about Pop In and our work. Like us, she is committed to driving meaningful change on this critical issue in the Southern Highlands. She has also set up a meeting with Pop In and the NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault to both discuss our model and hear domestic violence and abuse issues facing the Southern Highlands community.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll also be meeting with other State and Commonwealth representatives to continue the conversation about how we work to end violence towards women and children, to educate and challenge on what must be done and we will keep you informed as to progress to enable the Southern Highlands community to say NO to DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and ABUSE.
Vicki Kelley, Chair Pop In
BOSCAR releases latest 2 year trend data
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statics and Research (BOSCAR) has released quarterly data for March 2024. The Bureau monitors trends over time in key measures of domestic and family violence recorded by the NSW Police Force. The quarterly updates report on trends in the number of domestic violence related incidents, regional trends for domestic violence related assaults, trends in the number of women and child victims of domestic violence related murder, trends in victims of domestic violence related assault recorded by police by age and gender of the victim and type of relationship between victim and perpetrator.
2 year trend data across Wollondilly, Goulburn Mulwaree and Wingecarribee:
DV related assaults - up 19%
Intimidation/stalking/harassment - up 4.7%*
Breach ADVO - up 14%
2 year trend data across NSW:
DV related assaults - up 5.5%
Intimidation/stalking/harassment - up 4.7%*
Breach ADVO - up 14%
These stats compare April 2022 - April 2024 and research shows that only 1 in 4 assaults are reported to the police so the actual numbers of incidents are likely to be much higher.
The granting of an ADVO doesn't necessarily result in the decrease of the impact to an individual as evidenced by the 14% increase of ADVO breaches over the past two years.
That's why we'll be working with our local Police Command to address these statistics.
*whole of NSW
Michele Lanigan - Manager
You may have seen on our social media or heard on the radio about our Matched Gift Campaign. We have been blessed with the support of matched giving partners who will match donations dollar for dollar up to $100,000 by the 30th June 2024.
And we're so close, only $7,500 left to make it to $100,000! With the funds raised we'll be investing in further case management support to undertake out reach so that we can be in the community supporting those women and children navigating domestic violence and abuse who aren't able to come to us in Moss Vale.
For further information or to make a donation towards the campaign visit our website at https://www.popin.org.au/matched-gift-campaign-2024
In these workshops, you’ll find out about some of the unique financial challenges that women experience and how to overcome them. You’ll also get the tools and practical tips to help you build and maintain your financial independence, become financially secure and enhance your financial wellbeing.
Join us to:
Learn the three elements of financial wellbeing
Discover how to have effective money conversations
Understand how to safeguard your financial wellbeing and get help if you’re having money trouble
Recognise the signs of financial abuse.
Workshops are hosted by CommBank Bowral Branch and are being run at Pop In on the 01st August and 01st September. Places are limited so to register your interest please email office@popin.org.au
Mothers Day Events
Thank you to our wonderful supporters and friends at the Robertson Public House and Kitchen, Moss Vale High School students and staff, the Mums from Tudor House and everyone who shopped and participated in the Springett's Arcade Mother's Day promotion.
Together, these event raised over $9,000 which will go directly to our front line services supporting women and children navigating domestic violence and abuse in the Southern Highlands.
Thank you!