If you are experiencing or escaping family and domestic violence we can assist you with:
Our priority is to help you find safety, security and stability by offering you:
Our approach is personalised to you and your needs. By working closely with other services we make sure you receive the assistance that best suits your situation.
We offer culturally appropriate services and welcome women and children from all cultures and backgrounds.
If you’re escaping a violent or abusive situation, we have refuges that help women on their own, as well as those with children up to 18 years of age. Whether you leave your home after packing up essentials or flee with nothing, we can help you.
Our team can assist you to find appropriate accommodation following a stay in one of our refuges. That can be short-term, transitional housing or a more stable, long-term home.
We provide free counselling for women affected by family violence, either face-to-face or on the phone. Child care for pre-school children is available during your sessions. We also have free short-term counselling sessions for children and adolescents who have experienced family violence.
Sometimes the better option for you is to remain in your home while the violent perpetrator leaves. Safe at Home provides you with a range of practical and emotional supports to keep you and your children safe in your own home.
We have several group programs to support you and your children. Circle of Security concentrates on repairing the bond between parents and children who have experienced family violence. Step Up and Speak Out aims to reduce intergenerational violence, so children don’t repeat the violence they have been exposed to.
We respect and welcome women and children from all cultures in our community. We also provide culturally appropriate Aboriginal services.
Family and domestic violence is when one person wants to control and have power over another. They can be an intimate partner, a parent, a child, a sibling, a carer ... anyone in your household.
Hurting you (pushing, slapping, punching, choking, kicking or pulling your hair), or threatening to hurt you, a loved one or a pet.
Controlling your money, denying or restricting access to money, stealing from you, controlling what you can and can’t buy.
Being pressured or forced into sexual activities.
Being kept isolated from family and friends, controlling where you go, who you speak to and whether you can work.
Manipulation, shouting, humiliation, telling you that you're worthless or stupid.
Denying your ability to go to your place of worship or to express your religious beliefs, cultural beliefs and values.
Someone you know may confide in you about their situation, or you may have noticed something and want to help. The most important thing you can do is to listen without judging and respect whatever decision she may make. The best support you can offer is to help her find ways to become stronger and safer.
Patricia Giles Centre is committed to building a strong community free from family and domestic violence.
For 30 years we have been providing a range of services for women and children experiencing and escaping family and domestic violence.
We are named after Patricia Giles AM, an Australian Senator for 12 years and an active and passionate advocate for community services and women’s rights. By strongly supporting the introduction of a refuge in her electorate, Patricia played a vital role in helping to get us up and running. We always strive to reflect her commitment, her wisdom and her courage.
Shona is the Principal of Springboard Solutions and has held executive and senior management positions in government departments, commercial agencies and Ministerial offices. Her expertise includes providing leadership, strategy, corporate governance, transformational change, risk and audit oversight. She has significant experience on boards and committees and is currently the Chair of the Plumbers Licensing Board and an expert member of the Audit and Risk committee with the City of South Perth. Shona holds a Master of Communication, BA(Hons), Graduate Diploma in Commerce and a Certificate in Board Governance.
Narelle has extensive professional experience and expertise in marketing, business development, management, policy and strategy. She has worked across many industries and has held senior management roles in several sectors. Passionate about governance, Narelle is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served on a wide variety of Boards including Brightwater Care Group, VenuesWest, WA Cricket Association and Womensport West. She is currently a Board member of TennisWest.
James McCue is a clinical and forensic psychologist, as well as a teacher and research academic. He has worked as a psychologist in a variety of different settings including Corrective Services, WA Police and Child Protection. His expertise includes psychological treatment for clinical and forensic issues such as depression, anxiety, substance use, anger management and emotion regulation, post-traumatic stress, relationships, as well as violent and sexual offending. He is currently a member of the ECU Human Research Ethics Committee. James holds strong social justice values and joined the Board to be able to contribute to an important area of need in the community.
Jonathan Smith is the CEO of ECHO Community Services and has wide ranging consulting and management experience in commercial, community and government sectors. He has held several roles on community sector and for-profit boards and management committees, including Chair of Phoenix Support & Advocacy Service Board, Chair of the WA Committee of the Social Impact Measurement Network Australia, Vice-Chair of the WA Committee for White Ribbon, Executive Director of ANSON Management Consulting, and member of the WACOSS Board. Jonathan’s qualifications include MBA, Graduate Certificate in Management and BA(Hons) in English and Fine Art. He is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Christine is the General Manager, People Services, at the WA Department of Fisheries and has extensive experience in public-sector management with a particular focus on human resource management. She is passionate about supporting and advancing the public sector and the HR profession. Christine joined the Board to contribute in a positive and practical way to her community, and to enable improvements in social justice and support. She is a past co-convenor of the Board before returning to further studies and resuming as a member.
Vicki Banham is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean (Social Science, Social Work, Counselling, Youth Work) in the School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University. She teaches in the vulnerable people and communities, and social analysis space. Her research interests lie in listening and acknowledging the voice of people and communities and their pathways to active participation; rights of vulnerable groups; and understanding the learning process of children and young people. She has wide ranging experience on a variety of not for profit Boards. Vicki’s qualifications include BEd, MEd and a PhD.
McKenzie is the Sales and Compliance Consultant at Total Home Frames. He has extensive knowledge and understanding of WA State Government agencies and the regulatory framework in which they operate. He joined the Board to utilise his skills and experience in governance, compliance and risk management in a meaningful way which provides on-going assistance to the community. McKenzie holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Investigations Management and is a Fellow of Leadership WA.
Kirstin is the Partner, Business Advisory Services for HLB Mann Judd. Past professional experience includes international mining as well as Not for Profit organisations. She brings specialist knowledge to the Board in the areas of business advisory services, tax consultancy and compliance and consulting services. Kirstin’s qualifications and memberships include BComm, Fellow of CPA Australia, Member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand, Registered Tax Agent, and Specialist Accredited Adviser Member for Family Business Australia.
Simone has a diverse skill set drawn from her work with Local and State Government agencies on strategically significant projects. She has project managed large scale projects, coordinated Government approvals and has been successful in accessing funding. Simone is actively involved in community groups and has previously volunteered with the State Emergency Service and a variety of local not for profit organisations. Passionate about contributing to the community, Simone advocates for values-based leadership.
Gabrielle works in the Mental Health sector and is currently also completing a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance. Her expertise includes research, communications support, media monitoring, and administration management. Committed to empowering social change and delivering value to individuals and communities through effective governance, Gabrielle holds Board positions with Disability Service Commission and Avivo.
Sarah is a Senior Analyst at the Department of Treasury, working in asset investment and management as well as providing advice in relation to infrastructure loans. With over 20 years in the public sector Sarah has experience in a broad range of management roles including in health, disability services, policy and economic development. Sarah sees her involvement with the Board as an opportunity to use her diverse experience to improve the outcomes for women experiencing family and domestic violence.
Our work is supported by funding from the WA Department of Communities – Child Protection and Family Support, WA Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Federal Department of Human Services and through the generous support of our community and corporate partners, the WA Quilters Association and Rio Tinto.
By making a donation to Patricia Giles Centre you can have a direct and positive affect on the lives of families. Any donation made over $2.00 is tax deductible.
You can donate hereAlternatively, you can help by volunteering your time.
To talk to us about how you can help please call (08) 9300 0340 or email us on [email protected]
