At the Y, we believe everyone should have access to programs that enrich their lives and help them become healthier, happier and more connected. One way we do this is through YMCA Open Doors, an initiative that provides subsidised access to YMCA programs and services to those in the community who wouldn’t normally be able to access them.
Instances of domestic violence in Australia have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. One in ten women in a relationship said they have experienced domestic violence during the pandemic, and two-thirds of these women said the violence started or became worse during lockdown*.
While there are resources out there for people experiencing domestic violence, they aren’t always in a position to leave their situation due to reasons including money, community, lack of support and/or fear. While it’s hard knowing that these women are actively living through horrible situations, in these circumstances, a break may be the kind of support they need.
Our YMCA Camps offered just this through the Respite Camp program. This program was funded through YMCA Open Doors, an initiative that provides subsidised access to programs and services to those in need.
The three-day weekend camp provided a safe space for people experiencing family violence to escape their situation for a while, share their stories and find strength through shared experiences. This camp was mainly attended by women and children. The YMCA is not an expert in family violence, which is why we facilitated other organisations to come and run sessions for the women while we ran camp activities for the children.
Due to the sensitivity of this program and situations it accommodates, the specifics of this program couldn’t be advertised traditionally for women to attend. Instead, knowledge of this program was spread through local support agencies and services, and participants are often tapped on the shoulder by their support agency to attend the camp.
Participants said they appreciated the friendly and supportive environment that is judgement free. They also enjoyed the opportunity to be able to talk about issues and feelings they wouldn’t be able to talk about in their day to day lives. Topics such as single parenting and moving on from an abusive partner are often sensitive and hard to discuss with someone who hasn’t had similar lived experiences, so the participants were grateful for this safe space to talk freely.
This camp provided much needed respite for women and children living in unstable and unsafe situations. The Y are so proud to have made such a difference in the lives of the families we accommodated, but we couldn’t have done it without funding from YMCA Open Doors.
Donate to YMCA Open Doors today and help us offer more programs and services to community groups who need it. As little as $25 can cover one person’s place at a camp for one day, and $75 can cover a whole family’s place at a camp for one day. If you would like to donate to this program specifically, please select one of our campsites when filling out the donation form.
*According to a survey by the Australian Institute of Criminology.