Since 1982, Women’s Aid Organisation has provided free shelter, counselling and crisis support to survivors of abuse. We help women and their children rebuild their lives, after experiencing domestic violence, rape, trafficking and other atrocities. Learning from women’s experiences, we advocate to improve public policies and to change public mindsets. Together, we change lives.
Our Centers
Since the opening of the WAO Refuge in 1982, we have provided temporary shelter to women who seek refuge primarily because of domestic violence, and on occasion single pregnant mothers. In recent years WAO is assisting in cases dealing with domestic worker abuse and trafficking. Providing counselling and shelter to refugee women is yet another recent expansion of our core services.
The WAO Child Care Centre, opened in 1990 is a centre for children of ex-residents who have left both our Refuge and their former abusive situations to start new lives. With little support elsewhere to help them rebuild their lives, especially in terms of childcare services, the WAO CCC aims to not only provide the children with their physical needs, but also to support them emotionally and mentally.
The WAO Centre opened in late 2004. The Centre often referred to as the 3rd Centre, is an administrative and advocacy centre that also acts as a resource for the public.The WAO Centre is used for face-to-face counselling sessions as well as briefings for students, researchers, embassies, media, funders, volunteers and members.
