Shakti national advocacy coordinator Wendy Vyas discusses Shakti's work as a women's refuge organization for Middle Eastern/Asian and African women.
A Women’s Refuge safe house is often the first port of call for abused women in Hawke’s Bay, and most arrive carrying nothing but the clothes on their back.
Hawke’s Bay Today reporter Mitchell Hageman tours this crucial but often misunderstood service and hears first-hand the incredible impact itcan have on those who need it most.
WARNING: This article discusses domestic violence
The gratitude in Joyce Allen’s voice is clear as she stands inside the safe house bedroom Women’s Refuge offered her for six weeks.
It’s packed to the brim with piles of fresh sheets and children’s toys and her 2-year-old, Faith, immediately takes to the bed and clambers under the covers, cuddling a stuffed bunny.
Joyce Allen and Faith in their old room at the safehouse that changed their life. Photo / Paul Taylor
All she wanted was to shower and sleep and she was able to do that thanks to generously donated supplies of toiletries.
“They have everything you need, even for babies too,” Allen said.
Family VIP residential advocate Ashleigh Olsen said the safe house’s key goal is to support women and work alongside them.
“We want to make sure they are here because they want to be here. We’re here to meet whatever needs they have.”
Advocates receive a phone call during office hours or on their crisis line and, if the woman seeking refuge is comfortable, they are given directions to the safe house or picked up.
If police are involved, they bring the client to the safe house or meet them in well-lit public area to collect them.
“We take their basic information and the kids’ information as well. We let them know that toiletries, linen, and towels are waiting for them. We can also give them clothing if they need it and a bag of food,” Olsen said.
While advocates don’t stay in the house, they are a phone call away. Security cameras and gates are there as an extra layer of protection.
This isn’t a run-down shack in a shady area like you often see in the movies, though. A hostel-like setting provides everything women need to try to regain some sense of normality.
It has modern appliances and plenty of child-friendly spaces including a playground that made young Faith light up with joy.
“You might meet someone for just a day, but take the hope that they know refuge is around.
“Whether it takes one or ten times to leave an abusive environment, they know they’re safe when this service is here.”
Joyce Allen said it was important for people to understand the amazing work done by Women's Refuge in Hawke's Bay. Photo / Paul Taylor
Naturally, it takes tremendous courage to share a personal story of leaving an abusive relationship, and Allen said she was sharing her story to help shine a light on the vital work Women’s Refuge does in their safehouses and the community.
“It feels comfortable and familiar here. That’s why I’m happy to help out. [Women’s Refuge] has done so much for me,” she said.
“I’m still friends with many of the ladies I met here; we still catch up to this day. They’re now thriving, and so am I.”
Faith, still holding on tightly to the stuffed bunny, lets out a hearty laugh as we head towards the playground near the back of the safe house.
Hawke’s Bay Today is partnering with Women’s Refuge in Hawke’s Bay to help it build a new public office to move the organisation out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
How to donate:
QR code - Train your phone camera on the graphic above
Phone the police via 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.
Run outside and head for where there are other people.
Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.
Take the children with you.
Don’t stop to get anything else.
If you are being abused, remember it’s not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Women’s Refuge: A free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 Refuge or 0800 733 843. Website: womensrefuge.org.nz.
Mitchell Hageman joined Hawke’s Bay Today in January 2023. From his Napier base, he writes regularly on social issues, arts and culture, and the community. He has a particular love for stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
