CoS_TeamBrief_August_2023

City news

Mia’s story Trigger Warning: This article contains references to domestic violence, including physical and sexual abuse and suicide which may be distressing for some readers.

relationship to cope with the level of violence she experienced, were also acknowledged and addressed with empathy and understanding. Stirling Women's Centre assisted Mia with housing applications and advocated for her placement on the priority list. They also helped her with practical matters, such as accessing family court papers and responding to legal emails. The centre even arranged an extension for her pet's foster care through the RSPCA Pets in Crisis program. As Mia approached her due date, the support continued. The centre ensured she had transportation and assistance for her medical appointments, making sure she and her baby received the care they needed. Mia gave birth to her son via C-Section with the assistance of her Stirling Women's Centre refuge caseworker, who she had chosen as her support person. Not long after giving birth, Mia successfully secured a transitional property that allowed her to have her own space to continue raising her newborn and her daughter in an environment free barriers, Mia expressed feeling stronger and empowered after her experience in the refuge and the support provided by the staff. Her journey is a testament to the impact we can have when we come together. If this article has caused distress or you require support, help is available through the City’s Employee Assistance Program, please call 1300 307 912. For more information about who to contact if you come across a person who could be experiencing homelessness in the City, email community@stirling.wa.gov.au from violence and distress. Despite the compounding

Every year Homelessness Australia hosts Homelessness Week to raise awareness and find solutions, and as a local government, the City has a role in this space as identified in the State Government's "All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia's 10 Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030". The City's ultimate goal is to ensure every community member has access to a safe and secure place to call home. The number of people sleeping rough around the City of Stirling has increased. With funding from the Department of Communities, the City has partnered with Uniting WA to provide assertive outreach, which aims to build positive relationships and connect people to services, support, and housing. This partnership commenced in September 2022 and has seen positive outcomes for people that the team have engaged with. Homelessness comes in many forms, and the below is not a sleeping rough story. homelessness due to family and domestic violence. 39 per cent of people seeking support from Specialist Homelessness Services in WA in 2019-20 were as a result of domestic and family violence. (AIHW 2020) Mia, a single mum, was working part-time and taking care of her eight-year-old daughter when she found herself in an unimaginable situation. Just seven weeks into a new relationship, she experienced severe sexual and physical family This is a story about Mia and her family, who experienced

violence, leaving her hospitalised and her rental apartment flooded. With her tenancy terminated and discovering she was pregnant, Mia sought crisis accommodation. After four months of uncertainty, Mia finally secured a temporary place to stay, but it wasn't long before the father of Mia's eight year-old daughter discovered where she was staying. His extensive criminal history, high-ranking gang affiliations and criminal connections caused concerns for Mia's safety. So, at about 32 weeks pregnant, Mia was referred by the transitional caseworkers to the City’s Stirling Women's Centre, which provides crisis accommodation and support services for women and children. The dedicated team at the centre ensured her immediate needs were met and worked tirelessly to address her concerns regarding her growing baby's welfare. Mia's eight-year old daughter had ongoing medical needs requiring several surgeries and specialist equipment, and the centre ensured she received the necessary resources and support. Mia's struggles with substance use and mental health distress, which were exacerbated during her

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