FREO Street Kitchen has launched a new offshoot this month for women and children to receive free meals in a safe environment.
The charity, which has been operating since the establishment of Freo’s controversial Tent City in 2020, found that 80 per cent of those attending its regular soup kitchen at the Beach Street carpark were men.
“We realised that the women didn’t feel safe down there, so we’re trying to work out how we might get meals to women who might be in need, and their kids,” FSK volunteer Ann Reeves told the Herald.
Underground
The Underground Kitchen began this month, operating in two locations in Fremantle; the Buffalo Club, and PCYC Hilton, where it is entirely voluntary and peer driven.
Ms Reeves said that since starting on September 7, it had been very slow trying to get the word out to women and children in need.
“We’ll keep going here for as long as we can, and hopefully the need, understanding or the knowledge that the meals are available, will become more widespread and women will feel safe in coming down either to Hilton or Fremantle.”
It has also provided a way for local Fremantle businesses to help and support those in need which Ms Reeves says “they’re grabbing with both hands”, by providing for the Street Kitchen and Underground Kitchen.
Both frozen packaged meals and hot meals are served at the Underground Kitchens from 3.30-5pm on Mondays in Fremantle, and 1.30-3.30pm on Wednesdays in Hilton.
Earlier this week a Victorian domestic violence service reached out to the Chook over concerns they have that footy finals fever and passions could tip over into domestic violence, specifically with the Dockers reaching the grand final.
Ms Reeves said although it’s not her area of expertise, she was appalled to hear that it was happening.
“I just wish it didn’t happen.”
Berry Street Yooralla CEO Terry Symmonds said that over the past two years, the organisation had recorded an average 56 per cent increase in victim-survivor calls for help in the week immediately following the AFL Grand Final weekend.
Victoria Police are also preparing for a 20 per cent spike in domestic calls.
“The most exciting time of the year for footy fans can be a time of increased fear and danger for women and children who are at an even higher risk of family violence, particularly in the hours following the final siren,” Ms Symmonds said.
“High emotions around a big game, increased alcohol consumption and gambling all increase the risk but none of these are excuses for a man’s decision to use violence against women and children.” Symmonds said.
“Using violence is always a choice.”
If you have concerns about domestic violence, call the Women’s Domestic Violence Hotline on 1800 007 339
by TANIA JUDAVAR