News

Lotterywest Grant Supports Vital Emergency Relief

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Zonta House Refuge Association, has today received a $200,000 grant from Lotterywest, presented by the Hon. Jessica Stojkovski MLA, WA Minister for Child Protection; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence.

This funding for the Zonta House Emergency Relief Program provides immediate and essential assistance to individuals and families engaged with the organisation who are experiencing FDV.

Zonta House Chief Executive Officer Kelda Oppermann said the funds would go directly to help victim-survivors address urgent safety needs, uphold dignity and meet basic essential needs.

“For victim-survivors, this is more than just immediate assistance, this could be the difference between life and death,” she said.

“The danger and harm victim-survivors face when attempting to escape abusive relationships is real, and it’s heightened, so these funds allow us to prioritise safety and support to engage with services they need to move forward.”

Emergency relief may include costs for safe accommodation, transport, safety equipment such as duress and health alarms, and other practical and essential supports necessary when fleeing abuse.

In 2024 alone, Zonta House responded to more than 1,000 requests for emergency assistance.

 “With the current prevalence and severity of FDV in our community, rising living costs and the housing crisis, flexible and immediate support is more vital than ever,” said Ms Oppermann.

Zonta House currently supports around 350 individuals and families at any one time across 14 program areas, which include accommodation, outreach, therapeutic support, and education services.

“As a community we face the insidious harm of FDV, and we must all remember, victim-survivors are never responsible for the violence they experience, the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrators who choose to use violence and control,” Ms Oppermann said.

“Abuse can take many forms; physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and every person’s journey is different – a holistic, person-centred approach remains essential.

“At Zonta House, we recognise recovery requires more than safety alone, victim-survivors need support, beyond crisis, that responds to their individual needs with compassion, flexibility and respect.”

“We are grateful to Lotterywest and the WA Government for their ongoing support and commitment to preventing family and domestic violence and improving outcomes for those affected.”

Comments attributed to Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:

“This Lotterywest grant is helping victim-survivors of family and domestic violence seeking refuge feel supported and begin to heal.

“The Cook Government is proud to partner with Zonta House and Lotterywest to deliver real outcomes for women in crisis, reflecting our commitment to creating safe spaces as part of our $550 million investment to end family and domestic violence.”

If you are in immediate danger, or someone you know is in immediate danger please do not hesitate and call Police on 000.

If you are at risk, please ensure you follow the eSafety Commission recommendations for staying safe online.

Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) can happen in relationships with a partner, defacto, family member, carer, boyfriend or girlfriend.

This behaviour can be threatening, abusive, violent, coercive, stalking, controlling, making someone feel scared and/or forcing them to do things they don’t want to do.

It can occur in current or past imitate relationships, family settings, or extended family groups.

For more information on what is considered Family and Domestic Violence, or how to identify it please visit Safe and Equal or 1800RESPECT. WA’s after-hours response helpline is available 24/7 if you are in crisis and need urgent help for refuge assessment or emergency accommodation options Crisis Care Free Call 1800 199 008