Pool party fun hosted by Women’s Refuge
Tokoroa Women’s Support Centre and Refuge is holding a pool party as part of National Women’s Refuge Appeal Month.
The centre has decided to make a splash on Friday next week [11am -1pm] by inviting families to the Indoor Pools for a swim and a Sausage Sizzle.
‘‘We are focusing on the children and this is why we have hired the Heated Pool in Tokoroa, to encourage positive family activities.’’
The refuge receives over 900 reports of domestic violence every year, coordinator Melissa Ward said.
Her team works five days a week with families in the community, either doing home visits, phone calls, walk in sessions and coffee clubs meetings.
‘‘Sometimes a phone call is enough,’’ she said ‘‘It just lets them know we are here.’’
Ward said the refuge also works with men, due to the increase in domestic violence against men.
‘‘We will work with the dads and use the same theory,’’ she said.
However Ward said kids are the main priority.
Along with supporting families emotionally, Women’s Refuge also helps with physical barriers such as clothing, blankets and furniture when a client has to move out of their home urgently.
Clothing coordinator Heather Ratu, said everything they store away is donated by generous people and local businesses.
Ward said more women are asking for help and support in the early stages.
‘‘People are starting to be more aware that help is out there,’’ she said.
‘‘There are more success stories coming out and we couldn’t do it without the help of the community.’’
Ward’s goal is to educate women about their safety, and acknowledge that the centre is available to families who are victims of domestic violence within the South Waikato districts.
She said within the job there are always ‘‘testers’’ as every situation is different, but deep down they have to be strong for the client.
Women’s Refuge Tokoroa appeal week will be held from July 14-21.
‘‘This is the second year we have held a pool party and we are hoping for the same success as the previous year.’’