National DV Charity Urges Community

To #StepUp To Make Real Change

Nationwide domestic & family violence support charity, Friends With Dignity warns domestic violence in Australia is at epidemic proportions and is urging the community to #StepUp if they want to make real change.

Friends With Dignity Chief Operations Officer, Zoe Scharenguivel says community members need to channel their outrage in to making a real and tangible difference to the lives of victims of domestic and family violence.

“There are ways that everyone can #StepUp and make positive change,” said Ms Scharenguivel.

“Friends With Dignity as an organisation works on the front line with refuges and crisis centres to offer immediate support to survivors at the lowest points of their lives.

“We are urging community members who want to make a real difference to volunteer with us, and to also attend our events as they are a source of critical funding to help support all of our programs, which are gifted unconditionally, including our Australian-first, bi-annual Little Friends Scholarship Program, which awards cash scholarships to the value of $500 for educational and extracurricular activities to children who have faced domestic or family violence.”

Australian of the Year 2015 and domestic and family violence crusader, Rosie Batty has also thrown her support behind the work of Friends With Dignity.

“I’ve always looked at ways to help with fundraising across Australia for those who are assisting victims in crisis,” said Ms Batty.

“What I like about Friends With Dignity is that they have identified a gap and a need, and offer a very practical way to help support survivors at a time in crisis.”

Friends With Dignity, recognised as The Australian Charity of the Year 2018, is hosting its famous High Tea With Friends events in five locations around Australia during May in support of National Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Month.

Friends With Dignity is a nationwide not-for-profit organisation providing practical assistance to men, women and children displaced by domestic and family violence.

The charity is a volunteer-driven model, totally self-funded and reliant on donations of new and pre-loved whitegoods, furniture and household items from the community. With these, dedicated volunteers transform empty spaces in to welcoming homes called “Sanctuaries” for men, women and children leaving refuge to start a new life.

Built on the foundation that change is effected through community engagement, Friends With Dignity’s programs encourage individuals, groups and organisations to actively initiate change by providing tangible ways in which the community can Step Up, Speak Out and Support.

Friends With Dignity’s primary goal is to create a safe, welcoming home for survivors of domestic violence to rebuild their lives in a sustainable and supported way.

Ms Scharenguivel says the events promise to be inspirational afternoons of entertainment, friendship and fun.

“Our High Tea With Friends events offer an opportunity for guests to enjoy an afternoon with colleagues, friends and family, while supporting a most worthwhile cause at the same time,” said Ms Scharenguivel.

“Admission to this afternoon with Friends includes a glass of bubbles on arrival, high tea, guest speakers, live auction, and raffles.”

Tickets to all five events can be purchased at this link with special discounts for group bookings: https://www.friendswithdignity.org.au/htwf/

Sunshine Coast: Sebel Pelican Waters, Saturday, 2nd of May, 2020
Newcastle: Wests Convention Centre, Saturday, 9th of May, 2020
Gold Coast: Southport Sharks Events Centre, Saturday, 16th of May, 2020
Brisbane: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Saturday, 23rd of May, 2020
Perth: Joondalup Resort & Golf Course, Saturday, 30th of May, 2020