Domestic and Family Violence

Renewing Pathways aims to improve outcomes for adults and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence or abuse through:

• Case management
• Case coordination
• Direct services to children
• Education activities to increase awareness of family and domestic violence.

This program is available in Taree, Forster, Gloucester and the Great Lakes regions.

All adults and children experiencing domestic violence or abuse are able to access this service.

How to access this service

Referral to the program can be made by completing this form, and emailing IDFVS@catholiccare.org.au

Watch below to find out more about this support service 

The aim of the Staying Home, Leaving Violence program is to prevent women and children becoming homeless or having to move away from their support system of family and friends, and the school and community where they live due to experiencing domestic and family violence.

The program aims to support women in collaboration with NSW Police and other local services through:

• Safety Planning
• Case Management
• Case Coordination
• Direct Services to Children
• Education activities to increase awareness of domestic and family violence

Women over 18 years who have left or are leaving a relationship that included domestic and family violence.

This program is available in the Mid Coast region, including Taree, Forster and Gloucester.

Referral to the program can be made by completing this form, and emailing IDFVS@catholiccare.org.au

Watch below to find out more about this support service 

CatholicCare delivers the Shark Cage for young women group program in schools, for 16–18-year olds to educate them on respectful relationships and empower them by strengthening their understanding of their rights in relationships. 

Through participating in the Shark Cage program, young women are gaining the knowledge and confidence to recognise unsafe situations, understand consent, and assert their rights.

Recent program data shows:

• A 33% increase in participants who would take action when they feel unsafe
• A 33% reduction in misconceptions about consent
• Confidence to speak up increased by 45%
• Victim-blaming attitudes dropped by 38%
• Harmful beliefs such as “Shouting is assertive” decreased by 76%

These shifts demonstrate the value of evidence-based, trauma-informed education in schools. We're committed to supporting young women to feel confident, safe and respected in all relationships.

This effective, life-changing program is a fee-for-service course we offer to Catholic and public schools in our Diocese. if you are interested in learning more, please contact our team: IDFVS@catholiccare.org.au

Local Support Services offers male victim-survivors of domestic and family violence tailored, coordinated services based on their needs and the level of threat to their safety through:

• Safety Planning
• Case Coordination
• Case Management

This program is available across Port Stephens, the Hunter, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. In partnership with CatholicCare Broken Bay, it is also available in Brisbane Waters and Tuggerah.

For further information or enquiries please email localsupportservices@catholiccare.org.au or call 4979 1120