Battling bravely against domestic violence

The Haven Nepean Women's Shelter
Selfless. Amazing. Tireless.

Retired police Chief Inspector Tricia Hitchen tells a personal story that explains what drives her to work as hard as she can to keep The Haven Nepean Women's Shelter running.

"I was a junior detective when I met a woman who had suffered a terrible attack from her husband. I spent the day helping her but, in the afternoon, she wanted to go home to her children and promised to come back the next day.

There was no next day. That woman's face and her pain are always with me and are why I do what I do."

As a board member, Tricia spends a great deal of time fundraising for the two-year-old shelter.

The real-life stories Tricia tells at community groups, social functions, schools and businesses raise awareness about the many types of domestic violence.

But they take their toll on Tricia, who was awarded several bravery medals in her 25-year police career.

"Sometimes the images that flash through my mind while I'm speaking have brought me to tears. I worry about the long-term effect of reliving these events but I know that it is making a difference and maybe even saving a life, and that is more important."

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The shelter could use the grant to fund its outreach program for women who have left the shelter.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here