The Patrica Giles Centre aims to promote the right of women and children to live free from violence by providing emotional and practical support to, and advocacy on behalf of, those experiencing family and domestic violence, and related issues.

About PGC

The Patricia Giles Centre was established in 1989 to provide accommodation and counselling services for women and children affected by domestic violence. Over the years this has expended to include additional services such as support groups and culturally specific services. This website gives a good outline of the Centre's services in the What We Do section.

From Then to Now

• 1986
  Funding acquired for refuge.
• 1989
  Refuge opened in Marangaroo.
• 1990
  Acquisition of site in Joondalup.
• 1991
  First edition of Fresh Start published.
• 1994
  Relocation from Marangaroo to Joondalup refuge.
• 1995
  Funding increased and extra worker employed.
• 1996
  Two medium-term support houses purchased in local community.
• 1997
  Domestic Violence Advocacy and Referral Service (DVARS) commenced (Renamed Women's Counselling Service in 2008).
• 1998
  Domestic Violence Children's Counselling Service established (DVCCS) (Renamed Children's Counselling Service in 2008).
• 1999
  Two more support houses acquired.
• 2001
  Stand-alone Child Care unit opened.
• 2002
  First male worker employed.
• 2003
  DVCCS funded by Zonta for six therapeutic camps.
  Certificate of Merit for DVCCS from Australian Crime Prevention Awards.
  Funding acquired for Fostering Resilient Families Service.
  
• 2004
  Aboriginal Early Years Support Service established.
• 2004
  Dads and Kids Biz group program piloted.
• 2006
  Damara House Refuge established and Kurlanga's Playgroup started.
• 2007
  Women Counselling Service (WCS) Yanchep Outreach commenced.
• 2009
  BARK program introduced, Safe Families Safe Pets Program introduced, Two more Medium Term Houses acquired, Group Programs at Bandyup Prison commenced Life Story of Pat Giles accepted by Fremantle Press for publication in 2010.
• 2010
  Safe at Home Service, Housing Support services, Kadjininy service all commenced.

Among the Chosen: The Life Story of Pat Giles

Among The Chosen: The Life Story of Pat Giles by Lekkie Hopkins and Lyn Roarty published by Fremantle Press. Available from the Centre — $20 plus postage.

Pat Giles was a woman dedicated to improving the lives of the disadvantaged. As an ALP Senator and UN representative under Hawke and Keating, she entered Parliament not as raw recruit but as an experienced trade unionist, policy maker, feminist campaigner and grassroots activist. This is the story of a woman whose determination never faltered whose work ethic never flagged. It is the story of an activist working from within the established order to effect social change.