Nelson Women’s Refuge needs support to prevent cuts services

Nelson Women’s and Children’s Refuge is experiencing extreme financial hardship. The organisation has been under stress for some time but has battled on in order to provide support services and safe haven to women and children experiencing domestic violence.

“We are sad to say that without significant financial support from our community over the next few months we may need to make cuts to our vital services in the Nelson region”, says Nelson Women’s Refuge Manager Katie O’Donnell.

Women’s Refuges affiliated to the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges are reliant on government funding paid out in instalments, their own fundraising initiatives and the generosity of their communities.

“The work is hard, the wages are poor and resources are scarce yet Women’s Refuge remains committed to providing safety and support for women and children in our region who are experiencing domestic violence. We are calling on the community to recognise the service this organisation has provided to some of our most vulnerable whanau and families. We are in need of funding to get us through to the end of this financial year. Please give generously to ensure this vital service can continue”, Manager Katie O’Donnell said.

Nelson Women’s Refuge worked with 285 women and 165 children effected by Domestic Violence in the past year. There is no other service in Nelson providing this much needed service.

The refuge has a plan in place to rebuild its resources and address the many challenging issues it is facing but this will take time and meanwhile they are appealing to the Nelson and Tasman community for their ongoing support and goodwill.

ENDS

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