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About Us
Who we are
Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia (WoSSCA) is a specialist domestic, family and sexual violence service that operates on a feminist framework.
We work to respond and prevent gendered violence in Central Australia by providing safe accommodation and support services for women and children who are experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
Our Vision
All women and children live with greater safety, respect and dignity, free from violence, in their chosen community.
Our Mission
Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia will act to prevent and provide responses to gendered violence.
How we work
The WoSSCA Good Practice Framework outlines the guiding principles that form the foundation of WoSSCA’s practice and service delivery. These principles include:
- Intersectional Feminism - how varying forms of disadvantage intersect uniquely for each women.
- Focused on safety and prevention - safety of individual women and our commitment to ongoing education in the prevention space.
- Strengths-based - building on women’s strengths and focus on empowerment.
- Trauma informed – embedding trauma informed practice in our work.
- Cultural safety – respectful and understanding diversity.
- Commitment to quality and quality improvement - reflecting on our service, service provision and how we may improve.
- A focus on advocacy – both for individuals and systematically.
- A commitment to work collaboratively – with a focus on communication and respect.
Our History
WoSSCA, formerly the Alice Springs Women’s Shelter, was first established in 1975 as a small independent service called the ‘The Women’s Centre’.
It was set up by the local Women’s Electoral Lobby (WEL) and its first home was in Bath Street. Unfunded and run by volunteers, the centre provided emergency support (but not accommodation) for women experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
The Women’s Centre became The Women’s Community House in 1981, The Alice Springs Women’s Shelter in 1991 and finally today, Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia. Our new premises was officially launched on 15th July 2019 and along with our staff, our networks, our board and our patron, we will continue to strive to improve the vital services we provide to the women of Central Australia.
Annual Reports
Our Annual Reports review the previous year providing a summary of our data, outcomes and achievements, short-term and long-term goals, policy advocacy, and involvement in community events and projects. WoSSCA’s Annual Reports are available to view here:
Women's Safety Services
of Central Australia
Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia (WoSSCA) is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation that operates on a feminist framework and is committed to assisting and enabling women and children experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land we work on, as the first people of this country. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders past, present and emerging. Our vision is for greater safety, respect and dignity for all women and their children in Central Australia.