Please note this story includes information about Domestic and Family Violence which may cause distress. If you need immediate support, reach out to 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line. 

International Women’s Day (Sunday 8 March) is an opportunity to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity. 

This year’s theme - ‘Balance the Scales’ - is a promise that every woman and girl – regardless of background or identity – should be safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives. 

Since 1994, The Benevolent Society has operated the Centre for Women’s, Children’s and Family Health in Campbelltown, NSW. It provides integrated support, health and wellbeing services and interventions to support women, children and families. 

ABC 7:30 segment highlighting Kristy's work as part of the Staying Home, Leaving Violence Program at Benevolent

Ensuring women feel safe and heard 

This includes crisis intervention, counselling, family therapy, psychoeducation, case management, therapeutic childcare and community education services aimed at educating and empowering women. 

We met with Kristy Organ, Team Leader – Child & Family Services, who joined Benevolent over 10 years ago. Based at the Centre, Kristy helps deliver critical support through Benevolent’s Intake & Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Team, and the Staying Home Leaving Violence Program. 

“The centre provides a space where women are visible, feel safe, validated and acknowledged. It is a place where women can access therapeutic interventions individually or in a group setting,” said Kristy.  “Spaces like this are integral for women to access services around sexual and reproductive health and to recover from complex trauma in a safe and therapeutic environment.” 

Meet Kristy 

What is a day in the life for you at Benevolent in the Centre for Women's Health team? 

It is always a hive of activity at the Centre for Women’s Health. We have women’s groups running from the Centre most days that include psychoeducation and wellbeing groups.  

These group settings are designed to reduce social isolation. They have a physical and psychological health and wellbeing focus through activities like yoga, meditation or education sessions. Providing a safe space for women is a critical component for supporting those who have experienced domestic violence, sexual abuse and sexual assault, childhood trauma and other gendered adversity. 

Several appointments occur each day across our counselling and case management programs. Our intake and crisis counselling team act as the gateway for all enquiries and referrals we receive, and are a crucial connection point in these women and families receiving the right support from our team.  

We also respond to walk-ins, when support is required for women and children experiencing or fleeing domestic violence, who need crisis counselling support or assistance with referral pathways. 

Image above: Kristy talking to her colleague.

What does the UN Women Australia theme for IWD around 'Balance the Scales' mean to you? What is needed to ensure fair, inclusive, and accessible justice for every woman and girl 

For me, ‘Balance the Scales’ highlights the importance of advocating for women's rights and campaigning against systemic inequality.  

It is my hope that we start to see an increase in male allies to work alongside women to actively dismantle systemic gender inequalities that we continue to see today. 

Over the past 12 months, what major trends has the team noticed in the support you deliver?    

What do you enjoy most about your work?