2008/11/30

PROFILE: The Patricia Giles Centre

PGC are the quiet achievers in WA's domestic violence sector

The staff at the Pat Giles Centre has had a long standing connection with the Gay Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer communities through the provision of services to same-sex attracted women and the provision of community education in both the GLBTIQ and the straight community on same-sex intimate violence.

All staff at PGC attended the excellent OPENING Closets training and a number of same sex attracted staff are employed throughout the range of services under the PGC umbrella.

The focus of the Centre’s work is with women and children who have experienced violence and abuse from a partner or family member. Domestic and Family violence occurs when one person acts to control and hold power over another person. They may use a range of tactics that can include physical, emotional, verbal and sexual violence. They may deliberately damage your belongings or hurt your pet. If there are children in your relationship, witnessing or experiencing family violence impacts on children in many ways depending on their age and developmental stage.

Domestic and Family violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors that frequently increases in severity over time and undermines a victim’s self confidence and control over her own life.

The Pat Giles Centre provides the following services to all women and children who are either currently in an abusive relationship or have recently left one regardless of the sex of the abusive person.

PGC Refuge and Damara House: crisis accommodation for single women and women with children to 18 years who are escaping family violence or are homeless due to other life crisis.  Ongoing support and assistance is available to women and families , if they are living in the northern suburbs.

The PGC Women’s Counselling Service: Free, face to face and phone counselling for women living in the northern suburbs that are or have experienced domestic and family violence . Mon—Fri 9-4pm  Saturdays 10-4pm .

The PGC Children’s Counselling Service:   a free metropolitan-wide children’s counselling service for children 4-18years who have witnessed or experience family violence. Each school term the centre offers a variety of 6- week therapeutic women’s groups that include:  Self defense, Self Esteem though Art, Understanding your Emotions, Parenting after Family Violence, The groups are free and have free childcare provided .

In addition to these services, for same-sex attracted Aboriginal people they also  provide an Aboriginal parenting support program and three Aboriginal playgroups for families living in the northern suburbs.

For further information please call 93003040 or email pgc1@iinet.net.au  or visit their website patgilescentre.org.au

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