Sexual assault support service Laurel House has been overwhelmed with donations, its manager says.
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Last week, The Examiner published a story about two businesses who had teamed up to find donations for the service.
Pearts Variety Store and Second Office had been collecting teddies for Laurel House after they heard children had been cuddling doorstops for comfort.
Service manager Fiona Girkin said since the article, it had received five “massive” boxes of donations and was now at capacity.
“It was mainly teddies, someone also rang about furniture. People were people awfully generous which was fantastic, but we’ve been given more than we know what to do with,” Ms Girkin said.
“Most of the time we receive monetary donations because most of our work is counselling people who have been victims of sexual assault and part of that work is working with children.
“Being able to be able to provide them with a soft toy for comfort when they come to see us is a nice gesture.”
However, Ms Girkin said working with children was not primarily what the service did.
The free service provides sexual assault recovery, education and awareness for those affected across the state’s North and North-West, as well as a safe place for adults and children impacted. The team also works with family and friends of those who have been assaulted to help them provide support.
“Sexual assault is being talked about more, but I unfortunately don’t think it’s getting better,” Ms Girkin said.
The need for services are constantly increasing, she said, with demands in the North-West requiring a waiting list.
“Things like the royal commission into sexual assault and the Me Too campaign has certainly increased the demand because people are now seeking support services so they’re not alone,” Ms Girkin said.
“I always say that I’d love us to be out of business and love us not to be needed, unfortunately that’s not the case.”
The service operates solely on government funding.
Laurel House’s support services can be accessed by calling 6334 2740.
I always say that I’d love us to be out of business and love us not to be needed, unfortunately that’s not the case.
- Fiona Girkin