Foundations of the Women's Refuge Movement

This chapter explores the inception of the Melbourne Halfway House within the women's refuge movement, tackling the challenges and philosophical differences in approach compared to traditional welfare systems. It discusses the political climate of the 1970s, the struggle for funding, and the importance of community support in addressing domestic violence. Personal anecdotes illustrate the solidarity among women and the grassroots activism that shaped the development of women's refuges across Australia.