As Charlotte* glides around a women's refuge in her rainbow, gold and pink rollerskates, she is filled with joy. or signup to continue reading The young girl's mind does not have to turn to her family's long journey across country NSW to a women's refuge escaping family violence, or the difficulties transitioning to a new life. She might not know it but the care the eight-year-old and her friends receive is helping break the cycle of abuse.
A scheme placing specialised children support workers in women's refuges has been expanded to 32 centres, covering more rural and remote areas. Up to 1800 children and young people in NSW such as Charlotte will be supported over the next two years. Activities such as skating, making pizza and dancing help children build focus, organisational skills, cultural ties and self-esteem.
It delivers the adult attention the kids crave while their mother - often in an understandable state of blur - can't fully provide right then. "We can do rollerskating all the time," Charlotte tells AAP while in her colourful skates. "The playroom is joyful and helps the kids have fun.
"I love everything about here." Support extends to sorting new clothes and school uniforms and ensuring the kids get health check-ups, reducing the load on mothers. Specialist children worker Judy Brennan says some kids walk in the door bouncing off the walls and parents worry about potential ADHD or autism symptoms.
"Sometimes it's just a direct result about the chaotic environment.