Storage company offers free removals for domestic violence victims in Australia

Moving away from a violent situation can be the toughest part for many victims, but a unique partnership in Australia is making the transition a little easier.

Brisbane's Supercheap Storage and Queensland-based domestic violence organisation DVConnect are coming together to provide free moves and storage as part of a trial.

It's the idea of the north Brisbane franchisee of the storage company, Chris James, whose family has a background in helping those caught up in family violence, according to general manager Stephen Voss.

"His parents used to look after children in that scenario, so he has an understanding of that situation," Voss told Mashable Australia. The storage company approached DVConnect to see if they could help with a trial, which has now been going for three weeks.

DVConnect will work with Supercheap Storage to assess the neediest cases that require attention, with two workers provided by the company for free to conduct removal services. "They approach us with a case and we see what we can do for them, then we book it in and work it out from there," Voss said.

Following the trial, Voss said the company is hoping to make a long-term commitment to helping victims of domestic violence and plans to eventually roll the service out to Supercheap Storage franchises nationally.

"Often when women escape domestic violence they have nowhere to store the bigger belongings from their house and cannot afford the removalist to start with or the storage," DVConnect Dianne Mangan told the Brisbane Times. 

Mangan said there are ad-hoc arrangements when it comes to moving belongings away from violent situations, but a partnership like this allows it to become a more regular occurrence.

Let's hope this trial turns into a long-term project. 

If you have concerns relating to domestic violence, in Australia you can contact DVConnect on 1800 811 811 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If you are in another country, here is a list of global support services.

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