About Us

Beryl Women Inc began in 1975, the first women's refuge in Canberra. Since that time it has become an established service that provides short term, low cost crisis housing to women and their children who are homeless due to domestic violence.

The service is staffed by trained experienced workers, including women from indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds.

Assistance and advocacy is offered to support women and their children and to meet individual needs.

Beryl Women Inc have premises with disability access for women escaping domestic/family violence that have disabilites. 

Herstory

Beryl Women Inc was the first women's refuge to be established in the ACT in 1975 and the second in Australia after Elsie Women's Refuge in Sydney.  It was officially opened by Mrs Bryant, wife of the Minister for the Capital Territory.  The refuge was to provide emergency transient accommodation, mental support and practical help for women in need and their children.

Since that time the refuge has gone through a number of name changes beginning as the Canberra Women's Refuge to its present name, honouring Beryl Henderson.  Henderson was involved in the Family Planning Association and was a strong proponent of women's rights.

In 1983, Toora was set up to cater for women unaccompanied by children, leaving Beryl to focus upon women and children escaping domestic violence.  

In 2005 Beryl Women Inc was awarded the Community Award by the 2005 ACT International Women's Day Awards panel and the then Minister for Women Ms Katy Gallagher. The award coincided with the refuges 30th birthday.  

Beryl Women Inc employs a skilled team of women including Child Support  Staff and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Support Staff to help any woman in Canberra escaping domestic violence.

Click here to read our birthday celebrations as posted in the Canberra Times- Article Chronicle Oct 2010.pdf