The Women's Resource Information and Support Centre (WRISC) welcomes any women who have experienced domestic violence to make use of the domestic violence outreach service that we provide throughout Ballarat and the Grampians region, including the shires of Hepburn, Moorabool, Golden Plains, and Pyrenees.
This service is available for women who have been or are in domestic violence situations. Domestic violence is not only physical violence - it also includes emotional, sexual, social and financial violence. Domestic violence is widespread in Australia, is a crime and a violation of women and children's basic right to safety in their own home. Domestic violence occurs as a result of the power imbalance between women and men which is reinforced by sexist attitudes in the community that allow domestic violence to continue.
WRISC identifies women's and children's safety as first priority and works with women in a way that validates their independence and empowerment. We encourage women to make their own decisions about their lives and help them to find the support and services they deserve.
The services WRISC provides include: counselling and personal support; assistance in finding emergency accommodation; limited financial assistance; court support; information; referrals and domestic violence support groups. WRISC also has a free lending library of books and resources on domestic violence and women's issues and provides community education upon request. All services provided are for women and children only, are free and confidential. WRISC provides its services at the centre in Ballarat or on an outreach basis by workers visiting women in their homes and towns of the region.
WRISC is committed to working with other services to ensure that local communities within the Ballarat region respond to the needs of women in domestic violence situations. Our service is accessible to women in rurally isolated areas as we provide: home visits where possible; assistance with transport and childcare; and we provide support and information by telephone.
WRISC is managed by the Central Highlands Women's Collective Inc. which is a feminist collective that welcomes new members. WRISC is funded by the Department of Human Services under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP).
It takes a lot of courage for women to first ring our service, but once they do they will receive practical support and expertise from friendly women who understand their situation.
