It starts with Hello!
- ahesari
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
Kim came to WA with no family nearby. Over time, her partner isolated and threatened her. One night, when she tried to call for help, he smashed her phone. Weeks passed in silence until a Neighbour sat beside her at the bus stop and said, “Hello.”
That word became a bridge to safety planning, a food pack, and financial counselling. Kim isn’t out of the woods yet, but she’s no longer walking alone. It started with hello.
If you’re in WA and you need help:
If there’s immediate danger, call 000.
For 24/7 counselling about domestic, family or sexual violence, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732).
Or you can connect with The Spiers Centre (Call 08 9401 2699).
Why early connection matters in WA:
One in 115 Western Australians sought homelessness assistance in 2023–24. key drivers were family & domestic violence (44%), financial difficulties (35%), and housing affordability stress (27%) (AIHW, 2024, HOU339 Fact Sheet WA).
Among clients at risk, 91% were helped to maintain housing showing that stabilizing tenancies prevents crisis (AIHW, 2024).
WA’s 10-Year Strategy (All Paths Lead to a Home, WA Government, 2020) prioritizes prevention, early intervention, and a No Wrong Door approach.
Your part in this movement:
Start with a hello. ask, “Are you safe?”
Offer to sit with them while calling 1800RESPECT or The Spiers Centre.
Share this post to help raise awareness across our community.
We always welcome volunteers, donations, and referrals every contribution makes a difference.
#ItStartsWithHello #TheSpiersCentre #EndHomelessnessWA #PreventionNotCrisis #CommunityCare #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SingleMums #SeniorsSupport #TheDigitalMarketingCrew #ECUMKT5325
(Disclaimer: This content is for the sole purpose of teaching and learning at Edith Cowan University). Authored by Arman Hesari
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