Nine brave people will take on the challenge of crossing the Simpson Desert in August to raise awareness and funds for Jenny’s Place Domestic Violence Resource Centre (DVRC).
Over 22 days, the hikers will confront stifling heat and humidity, and freezing cold conditions at night, as they cross 440 kilometres over 1,100 sand dunes (equivalent to climbing Mt Everest) to help women and children to escape domestic and family violence.
Jenny’s Place opened the first feminist women’s domestic and family violence shelter in Newcastle 45 years ago. They now operate two crisis shelters – one for families and one for women without children. They also support women to take the next step into transitional housing and walk with them to rebuild their lives in safety.
Recognising a gap in service provision, Jenny’s Place opened the Newcastle Domestic Violence Resource Centre in 2008. The Centre has supported thousands of women experiencing domestic violence. It offers long-term case management and counselling support for women. This critical service, helping more than 200 women each year, relies upon community support to continue.
Executive Manager of Jenny’s Place, Marcia Chapman said experience has led them to find that early intervention with women experiencing domestic violence can prevent them from reaching crisis point.
“Practical support and advice empower women to regain control of their lives and take the difficult steps necessary to escape abuse and violence,” Marcia said.
The DVRC provides support service to women and families at all stages of the domestic violence cycle. This includes early intervention support for women who are in abusive relationships and need help to make plans to leave safely, as well as women in crisis. It also includes those women whose past experience of domestic and family violence may be impacting them again, and who need post-crisis support and counselling.
Jenny’s Place Community Relations Coordinator, Donna George will lead the Simpson desert trek – one of three Hikes to Help Jenny’s Place being held this year.
She hopes she and her fellow hikers can raise $85,000 for the Simpson Desert trek and has set a target
to raise $150,000 through the treks this year.
“This will enable our DVRC caseworkers to continue to support women and children to plan their exit from violent relationships and rebuild their lives in safety,” Donna said.
Owner and Director of Denison Place, Dr Kim Newnham is taking part in the hike and said the hike has already been helpful in starting the conversation around domestic violence with her peers and colleagues, a conversation she wishes to continue going forward.
“I believe the mental health community needs to work closely with organisations such as Jenny’s Place to care for this vulnerable population, at all stages of the domestic violence cycle,” said Kim.
Director of Peoplefusion, Ali Kimmorley is a local businessperson who is participating in the hike for the opportunity to get outdoors and raise funds for a local cause.
“Peoplefusion appreciates the amazing work that charities like Jenny’s Place do and we love to bring together our friends in business to help make people’s lives that little bit better,” Ali said.
Hike volunteers are relying on sponsorship and donations to take on the challenge. Each of their shirts will carry the logos of their corporate supporters. They are also calling for support of family, friends, and work colleagues through the trek site on My Cause.
IMAGE | Nine brave people will take on the challenge of crossing the Simpson Desert in August to raise awareness and funds for Jenny’s Place Domestic Violence Resource Centre.
