Short term crisis accommodation for women & children
Starick's two refuges offer short term crisis accommodation for women and children who have escaped or experienced family and domestic violence.
We support women and children by offering access to free professional services to help them escape violence and make plans for their future.
Starick employs child and women’s advocates at both refuges, and counselling is available to women and their children.
How we support the women in our refuges
Our refuge teams work hard to provide an integrated service, with the aim of increasing a client's sense of safety and wellbeing.
The support provided at our refuges includes:
- Emotional support
- Information and referral to relevant services
- Financial support and practical assistance
- Counselling
- Case management
- Conducting risk assessments
Safety plans - Violence Restraining Order (VRO) application and court attendance.
We also offer our clients a range of other services and programs, to support their wellbeing.
How we support the children in our refuges
Starick provides support and programs specifically aimed at the children living in our refuges.
We are at the forefront of recognising the impact of family and domestic violence on children and developing our services for children. Starick’s child advocates focus ensure that the supports and programs offered effectively meet the diverse needs of the children living at both refuges.
Our services for children currently include:
- Emotional support
- Safety planning
- Enrolment into school/day care
- Referral to relevant services
- Counselling
- Out-of-school activities and school holiday programs
- Homework support
- Art-related activities
Refuges for Women FAQ
Starick's crisis accommodation can be accessed by phoning the 24-hour phone number – 08 9458 1107. Women can phone our refuge direct or go through Crisis Care on 08 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008 (country free call).
If you have the time, you should take:
- Essential clothing and personal items for yourself and your children.
- Any medications you or your children are taking.
- Identification, such as birth certificates, children's immunisation records, any Department of Housing documentation, legal documents, passports and visa information you may have.
Sometimes when women are not able to bring the above items with them, our workers can assist them to retrieve important items from their property with police assistance.
Unfortunately pets cannot be brought to the refuges.
Cats: The Cat Haven may be able to offer temporary accommodation for cats. This is decided case-by-case and depends on space. For more information, visit The Cat Haven website or phone (08) 9442 3600.
Dogs: Temporary care of dogs may be available through Pat Giles Centre's Safe Families Safe Pets (SFSP) Program. For more information, visit the SFSP website or phone (08) 9300 0340.
Women and children can stay up to three months. This gives them time to sort out income and legal issues and to find alternative accommodation.
We understand that circumstances vary. However, for those receiving income there is a cost.
Families or individuals generally sleep in a private secure bedroom or unit but can share a kitchen or living space.
Lived Experience Stories
The women in these moving but challenging stories are real people. However, their names have been changed to protect their identity. Some women have shared their stories at our events, and some have gone on to become passionate advocates for family and domestic violence.
How Starick Can Support you
Starick is an independent, not for profit organisation with charitable status based in Perth’s south-eastern metropolitan region working to end family and domestic violence for over 40 years. We assist women, young people and children experiencing abuse, whether by a partner or by another family member.
