Pop In Newsletter - April 2024
Dear Supporter and Friend,
I’m sure that we are all deeply concerned and saddened by the recent increase in gender base domestic violence and abuse.
To put it into perspective there has been a 31% increase compared to this time last year. Since January 2024, we have lost 25 women to violent deaths, 11 in NSW. These women were more than statistics; they were mothers, daughters, friends—each an irreplaceable valued woman whose life was brutally cut short.
This situation transcends boundaries of geography, culture, or socioeconomic status. Gender-based violence and abuse has a devasting impact and leaves long-lasting scars not just on individuals, but on families, friends and across communities.
In response to the recent horrifying events, including the Bondi Junction stabbings and the tragic abduction and deaths of two young women in Ballarat, the volume of discourse in media and political arenas has been substantial. Yet, without decisive action, this dialogue remains hollow.
Addressing the complexity of gender based domestic violence and abuse obviously won’t be addressed overnight. It requires a multi-faceted response and a whole of community response – women and men engaged in the solutions. It requires stronger legal frameworks; it requires a greater level of crisis accommodation and transitional housing; it requires better long term support systems; it requires a greater emphasis on education and community awareness; it requires sustainable funding across the full spectrum of services with a focus not just on the vital support required for the immediate need but critically the long-term recovery and healing of those lives impacted by domestic violence and abuse.
At Pop In we are committed to bringing about real change on this critical issue. We will continue to provide extensive case work and support to the 250 women and children of the Southern Highlands we work with annually. We will continue to educate members of our community on what we can each do to support the members of our community who are traumatised by domestic violence and abuse. We will continue to work with all other support services who are focussed on this societal problem. We will meet with your state and federal representatives 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
Demand continues to increase steadily
Since opening our doors in May 2021, we continue to see an increase in demand from the local community - including Wollondilly and Goulburn. Year to date we have worked with 188 women and children navigating domestic violence and abuse, taking us to over 638 since opening.
March saw an increase in referrals to Pop In for support by 10%, a majority of whom were self referred. Which is greatly reassuring because it means the message of support we are putting out into the community is being heard by those who need us. 17 of these new referrals have transitioned to ongoing case work for greater support.
Our open programs - Pop In Connect and Learn and Play have been active in March and April, with a steady number of participants. Pop In Connect is an informal social group providing an opportunity for women with or without children in the Wingecarribee Shire to come together. It's an vital connection between Pop In and women who maybe experiencing or at risk of domestic violence and abuse but are not yet ready to take action.
Learn and Play is for Mums and their preschool children (aged 0 to 5) to come together, play, connect and learn led by our Paediatric Occupational Therapist and supported by trained volunteers.
If you would like more information on our programs, please visit our website www.popin.org.au
Next week we will be launching our End of Financial Year - Matched Gift campaign. Thanks to the generosity of our matched giving partners, all donations received till 30th June will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000.
For further information or to make a donation towards the campaign visit our website at www.popin.org.au/matchedgift
Ladies Long Lunch
Thank you to our wonderful supporters at Robertson Public House & Kitchen who are once again hosting the Robertson Ladies Long Lunch in support of Pop In.
This year Pop In Manager - Michele Lanigan will be will be joined by the incredible Lisa Curry, triple Olympian, best selling author, motivational speaker, mother.
Mums supporting Mums
Thank you also to the Mums of Tudor House, The King's School who are coming together to celebrate Mothers' Day and support Pop In. Lunch with guest speaker - Pop In Manager - Michele Lanigan, will be accompanied by raffles and silent auctions.
Shopping with a heart
Join in the fight against domestic violence and abuse this April and May. Spend $10 or more at any participating Springett's Arcade from April 15 to May 13th and you could win one of four $250 credit cards. And, for each entry, Springett's Arcade will donate $2 to Pop In. T&C apply.
