A REDLANDS-BASED organisation that provides emergency accommodation for women and children affected by domestic violence tries to give them some joy over Christmas.
Maybanke Accommodation Crisis Support Service president Rosemary Skelly said the holidays can be a difficult time.
Financial pressure can be stressful for families before Christmas, there may be higher levels of alcohol consumption and children at home for a long holiday can be difficult for parents.
“This causes friction in the home,” she said.
“If a partner is used to abusing the family it escalates.”
Ms Skelly said alcohol was not an excuse for violence, but was a contributing factor.
“Domestic violence is about power and control on the part of the perpetrator,” she said.
The abuse could be financial, sexual, physical and emotional.
Ms Skelly said domestic violence could have a devastating impact on children who watched their mother being abused.
“The children are witnesses of domestic violence even if they are not abused themselves.”
She said women often arrived at a refuge having left home in a hurry.
“They arrive with nothing,” she said.
“They have left behind their toys and the Christmas presents that have already been bought.”
Ms Skelly said Christmas could be very lonely for women in a refuge.
“Children miss being with other family and playing with their cousins,” she said.
“It’s a sad situation and it’s a false situation.”
The organisation founded in 1988 tried to give the families food for a Christmas party and provides gifts for mothers and children.
They relied on donations and Ms Skelly said they had been well supported by Zonta Club of Wynnum Redland for many years.
“Domestic violence is pretty high on the agenda and last year we were overwhelmed by support,” she said.
“We were also able to give some gifts to people who had left our service to go into independent living.”
She said they were always grateful for support.
Among the items needed were toys for young children, gifts for teenagers and mothers, toiletries and food for a Christmas meal.
Anyone who is able to assist Maybanke can contact Valda on 0427 379 249.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence call DV Connect Womensline on 1800 811 811, DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
