Emerge Stories

It has been a roller coaster year where we celebrated opening our long-awaited 24/7 refuge and had to grapple with the effects of COVID-19, which has altered how we have worked with the women and children we support, and how we work as staff and volunteers. While challenging, we have been greeted with enormous opportunities to become more flexible and reach more women and children than ever.

After one of our most successful end of tax year appeals, Emerge has been able to buy a Toyota RAV 4.

Emerge is contributing to a Victoria-wide submission into a national plan to reduce violence against women and children.

My job involves listening, deep listening. It is often exhausting and heart breaking but more usually inspiring and reminds me why I chose to work for Emerge surrounded by staff who are deeply committed to supporting women and their children who have fled violence.

Emerge’s outreach program reached 50 new families including 74 children over the past year, highlighting the growing demand for its services and support.

Emerge is urging its supporters to let the Australian Government know the urgent need for many more homes for women and children who are in violent relationships.

The coronavirus pandemic has given rise to increased digital abuse, from abusive texts and social media posts to covert stalking.

Mums are making the most of getting active with their children thanks to a VicHealth grant.

Lara Murray has always been involved in volunteering. Instilled with a strong sense of social justice at a young age, Lara has volunteered and supported volunteers in different organisations in Australia and overseas.

Emerge has welcomed the ongoing commitment from the Victorian government to address family violence.

When school resumes in July, Michael* is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be wearing a winter uniform.