As we sit around our Christmas Trees, surrounded by family members, there are few that would think of those less fortunate families, broken and struggling.
For the women and children who are supported by Penrith Domestic Violence Services and are living at the Women’s Refuge Centre, Christmas may not be as cheerful as it is in other households; many live in fear and others are heartbroken.
“The women’s refuge provides a safe place for women and children who are escaping domestic violence,” said Penrith Domestic Violence Services Manager, Anne Sillett.
“Some of these women are in need of safe accommodation because they are fearful for their lives,” she said.
Although things may not be looking up for the 21 women and 53 children who are currently being supported by the service, the festive season will come, and there are those in the community who are determined to make it a special one for these broken families.
Upon hearing about the Penrith Domestic Violence Services, the team at Penrith Homemaker Centre had to do something.
“It is frightening that there are over 20 women and over 50 kids that are being supported by this organisation. It is a pity that something like this has to exist because of violence,” Kevin James, the owner of Penrith Homemaker Centre, said.
The Centre purchased a gift for each of the 53 children and presented each family with a Christmas hamper.
The gifts were delivered to the staff at Penrith Domestic Violence Services on Monday, who will distribute the gifts to the families on Christmas Eve.
“The families are very, very grateful for the support. It means each family is going to have the chance to have a reasonably normal Christmas,” Ms Sillett said.
