Every day, women and children come to Mary’s House Services seeking safety, hope and a future free from domestic and family violence.
While our team works tirelessly to provide refuge, support and pathways to independence, we cannot do it alone.
Behind every woman who finds safety, every child who experiences stability and every family that begins to rebuild their future is a community of people who have chosen to stand alongside them.
Our recent supporter community video highlights the many ways individuals, businesses, volunteers and advocates contribute to creating lasting change.
A shared responsibility
Domestic and family violence is one of the most significant social challenges facing Australia today. It affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age, culture, education, profession or postcode.
As one supporter reflected, there is often a perception that affluent communities are somehow immune from domestic and family violence. The reality is very different.
Domestic and family violence exists in every community, including Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Behind closed doors, many women and children continue to experience abuse, control and fear.
Addressing this issue requires more than frontline services. It requires a collective commitment from the broader community.
Supporting those on the frontline
Many of the supporters featured in the video spoke about their admiration for the work being carried out by Mary’s House Services.
What resonated most strongly was the organisation’s ability to provide practical support without judgement, meeting women where they are and helping them move towards safety and independence.
For many supporters, seeing the impact of this work firsthand has reinforced their commitment to contributing their time, expertise and resources.
Whether through volunteering, fundraising, corporate partnerships, advocacy or philanthropy, every contribution plays a role in helping women and children rebuild their lives.
The importance of long-term support
One theme that emerged throughout the video was the importance of sustainable, long-term support.
Domestic and family violence does not have a quick solution. Recovery takes time, and so does creating meaningful change within our communities.
For community-funded organisations like Mary’s House Services, ongoing support allows programs to grow, services to expand and more women and children to access the help they need.
Several supporters spoke about making long-term commitments through regular giving, volunteering, fundraising initiatives and even gifts in wills. These contributions help ensure that future generations of women and children will continue to have access to safety, support and hope.
The role of men in creating change
The video also highlights the important role men can play in addressing domestic and family violence.
One supporter reflected on the responsibility men have to use their voice, influence and leadership to challenge harmful behaviours, break the silence surrounding domestic violence and stand alongside women and children.
Ending domestic and family violence requires all of us to be part of the solution. By speaking up, supporting organisations on the frontline and fostering respectful relationships within our communities, meaningful change becomes possible.
Hope lives here
What connects every supporter featured in this video is a belief that change is possible.
They understand that when a woman reaches out for help, having access to a safe place, compassionate support and a community that believes in her can change the course of her life.
At Mary’s House Services, we are immensely grateful to the donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and community advocates who make our work possible.
Together, we are creating safer futures for women and children.
Together, we are helping break the cycle of domestic and family violence.
And together, we are proving that hope lives here.
If you would like to support the work of Mary’s House Services, there are many ways to get involved. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, corporate partnership or financial support, your contribution can help create lasting change for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
