Loneliness is crippling for anyone but when you’re dealing with domestic violence or homelessness, the issue is compounded. That’s what outreach charity 4 Voices is trying to tackle.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’ and 4 Voices is passionate about providing opportunities for connection through technology.
96five’s Ken Green from Brissy Brekky spoke with Jo Westh, the founder and CEO of 4 Voices about what inspired her to start their outreach service.
“I was working in the Homelessness sector for about four years and I learned a lot about people experiencing homelessness” Jo said.
“I was shocked to learn that of the 51,000 girls and women who are homeless in this country, two thirds of them have fled domestic violence.”
“It kind of does my head in when I think people are preferring to take their chances on the street rather than living with an abusive partner.” Jo Westh, Founder and CEO of 4 Voices
“That’s why I felt determined to do something.”
One in eight Australians don’t have access to the internet which roughly equates to 1.4 million women and girls who aren’t connected in Australia. Jo describes how this lack of digital connection leads to a range of other challenges for women, particularly if you’re on the street or escaping domestic violence.
“Even if you did have a mobile phone or internet connection, you might not use it because you’re scared of being tracked or stalked. That’s the ultimate disconnection.”
“The spiral continues further, on the streets you’re unlikely to be able to get a job easily, get rehoused in this housing crisis. Connection back with family becomes difficult so the isolation just gets worse and worse”.
4 Voices operate Connection Hubs around Brisbane and Sydney, kitted out vans with on-board mobile phones, laptops and printers providing a safe place for women to connect and access other support agencies.
“Connection is the thing you know whether it’s social connection with a cup of tea and a cup of coffee or it’s a digital connection. We all need it.”
8 March is International Women’s Day (IWD) and also marks 4 Voices third birthday. Everyone is welcome to don some purple and join the team for cupcakes at Wesley Mission in St Paul’s Terrace, Fortitude Valley from 5.30pm – 8pm on 8 March 2023.
To donate, volunteer or learn more about the work of 4 Voices, visit the website.
Listen to the full interview in the player above.
Feature Image: Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
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