West Coast Women's Refuge

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West Coast Women's Refuge

West Coast Women's Refuge has been supporting Women And Children and Men to live free from violence and abuse on the West Coast since 1983.

05/10/2026

Respect Starts With… Consent.

Consent is about respect, trust and recognising that every person has the right to make choices about their own body.

It means being able to say yes or no without pressure, fear or expectation and knowing that consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Respect isn't just about listening when someone says “no”.
It’s about creating relationships where everyone feels safe, heard and able to make their own choices.

Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, open communication and respecting each other's boundaries.

Every person deserves to have their choices respected.

If you or someone you know needs support, our team is here to listen.
0800 208 339 — 24/7

04/10/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This month is a gentle reminder of the importance of checking in with ourselves and the women around us.

Breast cancer touches the lives of many women, families and whānau. Whether someone is navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or remembering someone they have lost, every journey is different.

Taking a moment to be aware of changes in our bodies, attending regular screenings, and encouraging the women in our lives to do the same can make a meaningful difference.

Just as importantly, let's remember to offer kindness, understanding and support to those who may be facing challenges we cannot see.
To every woman navigating her own journey, you deserve care, compassion and support.

Look after yourself. Check in on your loved ones. And remember, you don't have to face life's challenges alone.

01/10/2026

Have you ever witnessed something that didn't feel right but hesitated to get involved, perhaps assuming someone else would step in?

This is known as the bystander effect – when people are less likely to offer help in a situation because others are present, each assuming someone else will take responsibility.

But here's something worth asking ourselves…
What if the person who needed help was someone you loved?
Your mother, your sister, your child, your friend. Would you hope someone would notice? Would you hope someone would speak up, check in or offer support?

The truth is, the person experiencing harm is someone's loved one. They deserve the same care, compassion and support we would want for those closest to us.

Being an active bystander doesn't mean putting yourself in danger or having all the answers. Sometimes it can be as simple as:
*Checking in with someone privately.
*Offering a listening ear without judgement.
*Speaking up when it is safe to do so.
*Seeking help from someone who can intervene.
*Letting someone know they are not alone.

We may not always know what to say or do, but choosing not to look away can be the beginning of something meaningful.
Because sometimes, being the one who acts can make all the difference.

30/09/2026

There’s something special about a good book, a quiet moment, and the chance to slow down.

With the Rotary Bookarama coming to Greymouth for four days, it’s a lovely opportunity to celebrate the community organisations and volunteers who give their time and energy to bring people together and support others.

Whether you find a new favourite story, revisit an old classic, or simply enjoy a little time away from the busyness of everyday life, remember that taking time for yourself matters too.
Rest isn't a reward we have to earn. It's something we all deserve.

A big thank you to everyone involved in making community events like this possible. Your time, care and generosity help make our community stronger.

Rotary Bookarama – Greymouth
Greymouth High School Old Gym, Marlborough Street
Wednesday 30 September – Saturday 3 October

Happy reading, Coasters!

29/09/2026

Words that Matter: Accountability

Accountability is about taking responsibility for our actions and recognising the impact they have on others.

In healthy relationships, accountability means being open to listening, understanding how our actions affect those around us, and being willing to grow and make positive changes.

It’s about more than saying sorry; it’s about showing care, respect and a genuine commitment to doing things differently.

Healthy relationships require respect, responsibility and a willingness to change.

At West Coast Women’s Refuge, we believe everyone deserves relationships built on safety, trust and respect.

If you or someone you know needs support, we are here to listen, without judgement.

24/7 Crisis Line: 0800 208 339
You are not alone. We are here to walk beside you.

28/09/2026

A little support can make a world of difference.

Leaving an abusive relationship is not always straightforward. There are many things to consider, and the process can feel overwhelming. Having someone to listen, offer guidance and help navigate the next steps can make all the difference.

At West Coast Women’s Refuge, we understand that every situation is different. We’re here to walk alongside you, offering support, safety planning and advocacy at a pace that feels right for you.

You don't have to have all the answers. You don't have to face it alone. And you don't have to wait until things get worse to reach out.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported.

Our 24-hour Crisis Line: 0800 208 339
West Coast Women’s Refuge – Here to help, whenever you need us.

27/09/2026

The school holidays are here!

The first few days of the holidays can be a great time to slow down, reconnect and enjoy some extra time together. Between the outings, the “I’m bored!” moments and keeping everyone entertained, don’t forget that sometimes the simplest things can mean the most.

This week’s Kindness Challenge: Tell your tamariki what you love about them.

Not just something they’ve done well, tell them something you love about who they are. Their kindness, their curiosity, their sense of humour, their creativity, the way they care for others… whatever makes them uniquely them.

Our words have the power to shape how children see themselves. A few genuine words of encouragement can help build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.

So while you're navigating the school holidays, take a moment today to tell your tamariki: “I love this about you.”

What a beautiful thing for them to carry with them.

24/09/2026

The clocks are changing this weekend!
Which means…
MORE DAYLIGHT!
Longer evenings mean more time to enjoy the little things — a walk, a cuppa outside, time with whānau, or simply a little extra breathing space at the end of the day.
From all of us at West Coast Women’s Refuge, enjoy that extra hour of daylight!

23/09/2026

Where it all began

Long before family violence services looked like they do today, women across Aotearoa were coming together, speaking up and creating safe places for women and children experiencing violence.

Here on the West Coast, that spirit of courage and community led to the beginnings of West Coast Women’s Refuge in 1983, when a group of women in Buller recognised the need for a safe place for women and children experiencing violence at home.

What started with determined volunteers, a safe space and a confidential after-hours phone line grew into the service we are today supporting whānau across the West Coast.

More than 40 years on, that kaupapa continues.

We remember the wāhine who spoke up, the volunteers who laid the foundations, and everyone who has helped make our communities safer.

Our history matters. Our kaupapa continues. And we’ll keep walking beside those who need support.

22/09/2026

Words that Matter: Financial Abuse

Financial abuse can take many forms: controlling access to money, preventing someone from having their own bank account, taking their wages or benefit, creating debt in their name, or making them ask for money for everyday needs.

It’s important to remember: family violence isn’t always physical.
As part of the This Is Violence campaign, we’re continuing to talk about the different forms family violence can take, because recognising it is an important step towards understanding it.

https://thisisviolence.co.nz/

Control is violence. Financial abuse is violence.
Everyone deserves to have financial independence, choice and control over their own life.

Address

Westport
7825

Telephone

+64800208339

Website

https://westcoastrefuge.org.nz/

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