About us

The Gore Women’s Refuge was established in 1983 following a public meeting held in Gore by members of the Christchurch Women’s Refuge for interested women to look at establishing a Refuge in Gore. There were no other Refuge services in Southland at the time. A group was formed who established the first safe house, with one room to serve as an office. At that time the Housing Corporation paid for the house and the Department of Social Welfare provided the furniture, with the Gore Borough Council paying for the operational costs.

The Gore Women’s Refuge has now been working for 33 years and during that time has survived by the valiant efforts of a wonderful group of volunteers and a team of dedicated women. It is now firmly established and known, and proved to be providing an essential service in the relief of domestic violence the preservation of families, and the welfare of children.

Mission Statement:

A violence free Community.

Aim of Gore Women’s Refuge:

Gore Women’s Refuge is to be the catalyst for families and whanau to live free from violence. To empower families and whanau to be safe from violence by encouraging healthy relationships.

Values:

The values that underpin Gore Women’s Refuge include: Culturally responsive, assessable, non-judgement, trustworthy, empathetic, transparent, non-discrimatory, supportive and caring.