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Lockdown is causing a sharp decline in revenue but no let up in demand for Hestia, the women’s refuge that covers the entire Mahurangi and Hibiscus Coast region.
Level 4 restrictions mean that its Kowhai Tree secondhand shop in Silverdale is closed, shutting off its key source of income, as well as removing a valuable source of clothes and belongings for women escaping abusive relationships.
A Hestia spokeswoman said Level 4 was proving a logistical nightmare for the charity, but stressed that its services, including a 24-hour free crisis line, remained available for women in need at any time.
She said people generally seemed to be struggling more with lockdown this time.
“I think mental health is a lot harder this year. Last year, everyone wanted to help all the organisations with food and funds, but the reality is now that a lot of people have lost their jobs, and people are finding it a lot harder,” she said. “It happened so fast this time.”
Hestia is hoping that more people will donate to its Givealittle page now The Kowhai Tree is closed, not least since demand for its services continues to increase and lockdown will only exacerbate abusive situations for many women. The refuge is posting daily facts and data on its Facebook page, with a link to the fundraising site.
“Since the beginning of this year we have supported 1400 women and children in the Rodney area,” the spokeswoman said. “Referrals received from the Police are also on the increase – in 2019, there were 778, then 938 in 2020, and in 2021 there have been more than 1000 and we still have four months to go.
Hestia has also provided 1600 ‘bed nights’ in Rodney this year – the number of nights an individual person has had a safe place to sleep organised for them by Women’s Refuge.
The organisation says domestic abuse – which it defines as controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour, including sexual violence – remains common, and happens in every type of household, regardless of people’s age, income or background.
Hestia can be contacted on its free crisis line, which is always answered in person all day, every day, on 0800 321 361.
Messages can also be sent to https://www.facebook.com/hestiarodneywomensrefuge, https://www.facebook.com/KowhaiTreeNZ or hestiarodneywomensrefuge on Instagram.
To donate to Hestia Rodney Women’s Refuge, visit https://givealittle.co.nz/org/hestia or visit The Kowhai Tree at 29F Silverdale Street in Silverdale village from Level 2.
