Formerly known as the Coalition of Women’s Domestic Violence Services SA, we are Embolden — the alliance for women’s freedom, equity and respect.
As the statewide peak body of women’s specialist services in South Australia, we envision a society based on equity and respect for all women, in a world free from violence.
We work not only to help those already living in violent situations, but to help stop it from the start.
Over the past 40 years, we have developed alongside the women’s shelter movement in South Australia, advocating for improved service systems, support for women’s safety, and legislative reform.
We now represent foundations that provide much-needed financial assistance and counselling; children’s services; Aboriginal family services; services that work with men; early intervention responses and more.
As of 2019, in line with a common understanding of the interconnection between all forms of gender-based violence, as evidenced in the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children, we have broadened our strategic focus to include ending sexual violence, as well as continuing to represent domestic and Aboriginal family violence services.
At the same time, we are also lifting our gaze to not only define ourselves by what we are against, but what we are proudly fighting for — nothing less than the universal achievement of women’s freedom, equity and respect.
Now, more than ever, we need to be bold, to stand up and make our voices count. We need our bold women.
We need bold men who will stand up for women’s rights, and bold bystanders.
Bold politicians and community leaders; bold workers and bosses.
Bold advocates like Rosie Batty, the Abrahimzadeh family, and Grace Tame, who have experienced the devastating effects of violence against women and their children, and yet work to turn their darkness into light for others so they will not suffer in similar ways.
We need bold people like you.
And so our new name and identity emerged. A bold, fresh identity that defines us as an empowered — and empowering — voice for positive change.
We are Embolden. Welcome to the Alliance!