A life changer

A DOMESTIC violence victim and international model will take to the stage in an exclusive event to raise funds for Windermere’s life-changing intervention programs.
Sip in Style is a not-to-be missed social event on 23 October to draw together like-minded women from the community. As well as being a forum for discussion and the opportunity to help create change, it will also be a great night out.
The event will be held at the Mon Bijou Penthouse on Flinders Lane in Melbourne with guests treated to an exclusive evening, filled with awe-inspiring and Australian born model and jewellery designer Samantha Willis. She will showcase her designs and trend’s for the spring season.
Samantha Willis will be accompanied on the stage by former Windermere client Carla Gagliardi who was brutally attacked by her past fiancée in 2012, in front of her young son.
Now a public advocate for other victims of family violence, Carla will share her story and discuss how important support networks can make a difference in the lives of other women and children.
Carla said she didn’t know the impact of family violence until she was faced with it herself.
“I didn’t understand family violence, I always thought it was someone else’s problem, then it became my problem,” she said.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe in their own home, this was taken away from my son and I, and violated in the most horrific way. The actions of Windermere helping us through this nightmare, in our eyes is pure heroism. An act that with the help of community will only continue to make a difference in the lives of other women and children.”
Windermere Chief Executive Officer Doctor Lynette Buoy said the impact of violence is far too rife.
“Devastatingly, over 12 months, on average, one woman is killed every week in Australia as a result of intimate partner violence,” she said.
“Physical abuse is at the pointy end of a broad spectrum of family violence, a spectrum that encompasses financial, verbal, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse, as well as workplace harassment. They all form part of a devastating cycle of violence.”
“We are holding this event to raise awareness of family violence, as well as funds to support Windermere’s work in supporting families and communities in addressing this issue.”
Windermere has asked women who combine a love of fashion, jewellery and friendship, to come together in the hope of raising more than $5000.
Show your support, by getting a group of friends together, and purchasing a ticket to this exclusive event. Tickets are $125, and include the chance to win an exclusive one-off piece of jewellery, designed by Samantha Wills.
The event will kick off at 7pm and bookings can be made online at www.windemrere.org.au, or via phoning 9705 3460.
For more details email events@windermere.org.au.