EASTLAKES Domestic Violence Committee is calling on book donations from the community to help children in need.
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The committee has launched a campaign to distribute books to children affected by domestic violence in the home.
They will be shared among the committee’s services, including Eastlakes Family Support Service, Housing NSW, Allambee Youth Services, Nova For Women and Children, Centrelink and Corrective Services NSW.
The books will be kept in boxes at the various offices and centres, and given to children who pass through with their parents or carers.
Eastlakes Family Support Service has kicked off the campaign, with one box of books already generously donated by Lake Macqaurie council.
Senior family worker Jo Kenning said the service helped 400 families a year, some with three or four children, the majority of them pre-school aged.
"I just want to highlight that children are impacted by domestic violence,” she said.
“Children seem to be forgotten in the mix.”
The campaign is a timely reminder of domestic violence and its impacts ahead of White Ribbon Day on Wednesday, November 25.
The international movement aims to stamp out violence in all forms against women by recognising it and encouraging men to take an oath against committing the act.
However, Mrs Kenning said the impact of domestic violence on children was rarely discussed.
“We see generations of people affected by violence and how their lives pan out.
“We need to do whatever we can do to help children cope.”
The committee is calling for donations from community members, local authors and businesses.
It would like new books, and for each child to receive at least one, so there is no limit to the donations.
Once the donations start flowing, Newcastle Men’s Shed will kindly build painted wooden boxes to keep them in, like the one already at Eastlakes Support Family Service.
Donations can be dropped off at Eastlakes Family Support Service’s Gateshead office.