Donate to protect vulnerable children and families in south east Melbourne and Victoria.

We need your support to keep those most at risk from the effects of this pandemic.

As COVID-19 takes hold of the nation, there have been many unforeseen impacts of this pandemic. Many people are losing their jobs and sole source of income, and others are becoming increasingly isolated to prevent the spread of the virus.

This extreme emotional and financial stress has severe affects on mental health, and caused an increase in domestic and family violence.

We help more than 20,000 lives every year.

Every single day, we aim to get in early and make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities. 

We find solutions for very complex situations and support the most vulnerable in our community to reach their full potential.

We have supported over 1,800 women and children experiencing family violence or related trauma.

Your support will help us to continue to deliver vital services in different ways, keeping vulnerable children and families safe.

Adele's story

Adele* came to Windermere when she was eight months pregnant together with her three other children and her mother. She was in a state of deep distress.  Although she had separated from her partner, Corey*, due to ongoing violence and had taken out an intervention order, he still managed to track the family down, break into their house and threatened to kill them repeatedly.

Adele had tried to leave a number of times but felt it may be too dangerous for her kids until it became too dangerous to stay.

Terrified that the threat of death was real and imminent Adele gathered her children and mother and left home with nothing and turned to Windermere for help.

Within a few hours, we were able to give Adele medical attention for her and her unborn baby plus safe, secure, untraceable accommodation.  Food, clothing and petrol vouchers were also provided to address the immediate needs of Adele's family.

A week later, a safe refuge was found and a silent, round the clock monitoring wristband was issued to Adele, her eldest daughter and mother. The wearable devices are monitored around the clock and pinpoint the exact location of the person in distress so police can immediately respond. The device also records any threatening conversations that occur which can then be used in court.

We also arranged for Adele and her mother to receive counselling for family violence and sexual assault and vital support services have been put in place for the older children.

Donate today to protect vulnerable families like Adele's.

* Names changed to protect privacy.