MISSION STATEMENT
As a feminist organisation, we recognise that violence against women and children are prevalent and that injustices, such as sexism, racism, socioeconomic inequality, homophobia, and discrimination against disadvantaged groups, contribute to family crises. To redress this, Beryl Women Inc. (Beryl) provides a professional, accountable, trauma-informed specialist DV service, which is based in principles of feminism, social justice, and reconciliation, and recognises and fosters cultural diversity. Beryl has an ongoing commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children, and women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Beryl is committed to promote, protect, and validate feminist principles, beliefs and practices in the delivery of service. As a feminist organisation Beryl commits to the following:
Rights
Domestic/family violence is a fundamental violation of human rights and unacceptable in any form.
Safety
The safety of women and children who have or are experiencing domestic/family violence is of paramount consideration in any response.
Empowerment
Beryl works with women and children to build on their strengths, to enhance their capacity to make informed decisions and to exercise their rights to self-determination without coercion and free from judgement.
Diversity
Domestic/family violence is experienced by women and children regardless of class, ethnicity, religion, age, abilities, or sexual preference. The experiences of women and children who live with domestic/family violence are varied, distinct and unique.
Access and equity
Beryl’s responses to women and children experiencing violence provide accessible support in a fair and equitable manner.
Collaborative Practice
Beryl is committed to improving our service through improving our services through greater coordination and integration and is committed to supporting feminist organisations to foster women’s leadership.
Responsibility
Responsibility for violence rests with the perpetrator of the violence, and the eradication and prevention of domestic/family violence is the responsibility of the community as a whole;
Accountability
Perpetrators should be held accountable for their use of violence and challenged to take responsibility for their actions.
Power: Responses to domestic/family violence must recognise and address the power imbalance and gender inequality between those using violence (predominantly men) and those experiencing violence (predominantly women and children).
Justice
Physical, sexual, and emotional violence within the family is a crime that warrants a strong and effective justice system response.
Advocacy
Beryl advocates for the rights and interests of women and children affected by domestic/family violence on an individual and on a broader social level, and advocates for openness, transparency, equality and accountability in feminist-led institutions and organisations.
Responsible Management
Responsible leadership and management of Beryl, whether in a paid or unpaid capacity, must strive to uphold critical feminist values and principles always. This includes openness, transparency, equality, integrity, and accountability.
