SAFV merges with Emma House

A MAJOR Geelong-based organisation supporting those affected by domestic violence has agreed to merge with one of its contemporaries.

Last week, the Sexual Assault & Family Violence (SAFV) Centre and Warrnambool’s Emma House Domestic Violence Service, based in Warrnambool, have agreed to merge, with Emma House to become part of The SAFV Centre.

The boards of both organisations formed a partnership in August to explore the possibility of a merger, and signed a memorandum of understanding.

The SAFV Centre chair Renee Fiolet and Emma House chair Gabrielle Toscan said the special resolution vote on December 20 by members of Emma House was declared in favour of the merger, and followed four months of consultation and due diligence.

The business case will now be presented to the organisation’s respective governing bodies for final approval.

“Together, The SAFV Centre and Emma House will provide a stronger and sustainable future for women’s services across our regional locations, with robust governance, trauma-informed client services and cohesive leadership,” Ms Fiolet and Ms Toscan said in a joint statement.

“For clients, it is vital that women and children in the South West area continue to receive specialist family violence services and that the future of Emma House is secured for women and children for generations to come. As one organisation, we will provide enhanced access and coordinated responses across the Barwon, South West and Wimmera for women and children impacted by family violence.

“This decision confirms our commitment to our clients, staff and the community to provide long-term benefits and support.

“Both organisations have long and proud histories dating back to the late 1970s and were established by passionate women leaders in their community, offering support to women experiencing violence when no other services existed. We are proud to preserve our combined histories and strengthen our future through this merger.”

Ms Fiolet and Ms Toscan said there was a significant amount of work required to transition into one organisation.

“Both The SAFV Centre and Emma House will continue to operate as normal, including operating under our existing organisation names, during this transition and remind those impacted by violence that we are open and here to support you.”

The joint recommendation to governing bodies is the final approval step before merger, and the plan is the merger will be finalised by June 30.