Community urged to support domestic violence victims

The recent death of Sutherland Shire mother Tina Kontozis allegedly at the hands of her former partner shocked the tight-knit Bundeena community.

Suddenly domestic violence was brought chillingly close to home.

Orana Women’s Health case worker Penny Arden knows more than anyone just how widespread domestic violence is in Sutherland Shire and how dangerous it can be for women trapped in those circumstances. 

As a domestic violence counsellor her appointments are booked weeks in advance as women urgently seek help to escape from abusive relationships.

And while demand rises for her services, financial constraints means she can only work 12 hours a week.

“I am usually booked up three weeks in advance and some clients need more frequent appointments than I am able to provide,” she said.

“As all clients who are referred here are from the Sutherland Shire and the demand for my time is increasing, domestic violence is either growing in the shire or recent publicity has made women more aware that they no longer need to live their lives in violence.”

In order for more women to be able to access the service, Orana’s executive officer Elizabeth O’Neill has come up with a plan.

“We would like 20 local businesses to each donate $1000, for five years, to fund Penny’s vital work,’’ Ms O’Neill said.

Having money pledged in advance meant Orana, non-profit Sutherland Shire organisation, could budget more money towards domestic violence case work.

“The essential work that Penny provides for women and children escaping domestic violence is solely reliant on community donations,” she said.

 “As a not-for-profit organisation with DGR status all donations of $2 and over are tax deductible, so the approach of the end of the financial year is a great time to donate.”