The expanded Goldfields Women’s Refuge has been officially opened in Kalgoorlie this week.
The expansion includes the construction of a two-storey crisis care complex, with six self-contained units to support more women and children impacted by family and domestic violence.
The refuge, built in 1979 and known as Finlayson House, has undergone significant works to double its crisis accommodation capacity, bringing the number of units available for women and children escaping family and domestic violence from six to 12.
Importantly, the expanded layout provides a trauma-informed space to ensure that women and children escaping domestic violence situations can be supported in a way that provides privacy, dignity and comfort.
Each unit features a private kitchen and bathroom, offering a more private and supportive environment to help victim-survivors heal emotionally.
The State Government provided $453,648 in capital grant funding to Goldfields Women’s Refuge Association. Further funding was provided by Lotterywest, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and by Goldfields mining companies.
The announcement comes during the Cook Government’s 16 Days in WA campaign to end family and domestic violence. The theme for 2024 is “Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play Your Part”, which encourages everyone to consider what they might be able to do to help stop family and domestic violence.
People experiencing family and domestic violence can call the Women's Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 007 339, or Men's Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 599, or the national Helpline 1800 RESPECT.
