BY OLI GOELDNER
A new safety refuge is set to be opened in Port Stephens, providing support for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.
The facility will feature six independent units for women, both single and with children, alongside core areas for counselling, group programs, a children's playroom and separate youth space.
Construction is currently underway, with the build set to be complete later this year.
Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services (PSFaNS) Assistant Manager Ann Fletcher said women and children previously didn't have the option of a local refuge in Port Stephens.
"In the past, if we needed to have a women and/or her children go into a refuge, they would have to leave the area," she said.
"So, having one locally means women can still stay in their community, the children can still stay in school, and it's not uprooting the entirety of their life."
The refuge is a partnership between Hume Community Housing and PSFaNS, and is developed under their Core and Cluster model.
The organisation will open an online donation registry at the end of the month, with the community encouraged to gift whatever they can.
"The Port Stephens community has always been marvelous at supporting us," said Ms Fletcher.
"They have always rallied around us and we're very grateful to have such a generous community.
"So, I know that they will be keen to support us in this activity as well."
