MercyCare launches culturally secure services supporting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families to keep children safe at home or return safely to family care.
SAAFE Program
We are an internal early-intervention program, not a crisis response service. If you are currently at risk of harm or danger due to Family and Domestic Violence, please contact the Police.
Addressing Family and Domestic Violence through Prevention and Early Intervention
SAAFE is two-year pilot program designed to support women, children, and families, with a focus on Aboriginal families, and the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD), including refugees and asylum seekers.
The Need
One in six Australian women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a current or previous partner since the age of 15. Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) is experienced at disproportionately higher rates by Aboriginal and CaLD women and children, people with a disability, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+. Women on temporary visas are even more vulnerable to FDV due to a lack of social support and often depend on their partner for a visa and financial support.
Family and Domestic Violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children in Australia. Additionally, a very high percentage of MercyCare’s clients are survivors of or are at risk of domestic violence. This pilot program has two SAAFE Advocates to provide specialised person-centered support, education, and advocacy to clients through a two-year period.
How Will We Meet This Need?
Education
Help women understand how to protect themselves against FDV by offering clear, practical advice. This includes tips for staying safe online, recognising signs of control or manipulation, and spotting early warning signs amongst others.
Connection
Provide support services, ensuring women and families at risk are cared for in a culturally appropriate manner.
Our Approach – Prevention and Early Intervention
The goal of SAAFE is to prevent the onset and escalation of violence, protect victim-survivors from harm, and stop violence from reoccurring. Early intervention seeks to identify and support individuals and families experiencing, or at risk of experiencing FDV. Our SAAFE Advocates can provide strategies to clients accessing services across our Family and Community Services directorate to support survivors and those at risk, including:
- Culturally and linguistically diverse (including refugees and asylum seekers) women, children and families.
- Families, women, and children seeking accommodation and other support services, particularly Aboriginal women and families.
Referrals are sent through to SAAFE Advocates by existing MercyCare caseworkers who have established relationships of trust with the women, children, and families at risk.
SAAFE Advocates
- Provide consultation and support to caseworkers around recognising FDV.
- Provide risk assessment and safety planning to women, children, and families.
- Deliver group workshops to provide education and early intervention strategies for vulnerable women.
- Provide direct casework support, information, and advocacy, connecting clients with relevant specialised support.
- Work as part of a team, using a trauma-informed approach within a safe and supportive environment.
- Develop, plan and deliver educational programs for clients.
The SAAFE Program is funded through a partnership between MercyCare and the Sisters of St John of God.
Contact
SAAFE
Address: 4 Brewer Place, Mirrabooka
Phone: (08) 6298 9888
Email: saafe@mercycare.com.au
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