Breaking the Cycle: Annabelle Daniel OAM on Shelters, Stigma & Women's Safety

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Annabelle Daniel OAM, CEO of Women's Community Shelters, to unpack the human stories behind domestic and family violence in Australia. From the emotional weight of deciding who gets the last available bed in a crisis shelter, to the grassroots impact of education programs like Walk the Talk, Annabelle shares raw, real, and inspiring insights into the work of protecting women and children at their most vulnerable.

You’ll hear about:

• The harsh reality behind waitlists for safe shelter beds
• What coercive control really means, and why it's now criminalised
• How small acts — like a toiletry bag from a schoolboy — can have massive impact
• The hidden crisis of homelessness among women over 50
• Why hope, community, and connection are just as essential as housing

This episode is a call to action — for empathy, education, and engagement. Whether you’re an educator, parent, business owner, or student, you’ll leave knowing how to contribute: with your time, your talent, or your treasure.

🟣 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses domestic and family violence, including stories of abuse. Please listen with care.

To learn more about today's topic click on the following links: 

• Annabelle Daniel OAM -  https://www.womenscommunityshelters.org.au/what-we-do/wcs-team/
• Women's Community Shelters  - WCS Team | Women's Community Shelters 
• Article - The hidden abuse we’re not talking about yet: Annabelle Daniel 
• Article - Annabelle Daniel On The Real Cost Of Domestic Violence | marie claire 
• DV Statistics - Domestic violence & coercive control | BOCSAR 
• DV Information NSW - DVNSW Website 2025 
• RESPECT - Home | 1800RESPECT 
• Impactify - https://impactify.au 
• Donate NOW 

This episode was produced by Simon Gilchrist  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongilchrist/?originalSubdomain=au and socials by Blake Stafford. This episode is proudly sponsored by Vuvale - https://vuvale.com.au/ 

Music in this episode is licensed by Impactify Pty Ltd 2025 and composed and produced by Edward Andrew Schravemade [Schrav]. All rights reserved.