Family Violence
McAuley Care Program
The McAuley Care Program (formally named Mercy Care) provides a safe place for women and children escaping family violence through the provision of:
- Accommodation and support.
- Crisis Intervention Strategies.
- Essential needs such as food, clothing and toiletries.
- Emotional support in a caring and non-judgmental environment.
- Information and assistance with exploring options, making choices and accessing services.
Crisis accommodation is most often sought between the hours of 5 pm - 8 am daily, weekends and public holidays. These are generally the times that referrals can’t be received by refuges. The McAuley Care Program operates 24 hours a day and is able to fill the gaps in support services during these times. It receives referrals from the Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Service (WDVCS). Generally women and their accompanying children stay overnight or for the weekend and then move onto refuge.
The McAuley Care Program creates a welcoming, hospitable and safe place, where women feel free and safe to make choices. The team works cooperatively, supporting each other, respecting differences and acknowledges that the process of recovery that women and children enter into after living with violence is the possible journey from despair to hope.
McAuley Care has accommodated more than 10,000 women and their children since it began operating over 20 years ago.
Email: mcauleycare@mcauleycsw.org.au