Thousands in Need This Holiday Season
With the festive season approaching, a stark reality unfolds: while many Australian homes will be filled with joy and celebration, thousands more families will be facing the terrifying reality of domestic and family violence. This year, Uber and WESNET are calling on Australians to lend a hand and provide support to those escaping violence.
Safe havens across Australia bracing for a spike in demand for their services. Tragically, more than one woman is killed by a partner or former partner each week in Australia, highlighting the urgent need for increased support.
A Safe Ride to Safety
Recognizing this critical need, Uber and WESNET have launched the Safe Ride Out campaign. This initiative, supported by TV personality and advocate Christie Hayes, aims to provide essential transportation for women and children fleeing dangerous situations.
"As someone who has experienced domestic violence, I know how crucial it is to access support when you need it most," said Hayes.
"The work of WESNET and their partnership with Uber to provide free rides and essentials to women and children is something I wish I had access to.”
Hayes encourages Australians to donate to the Safe Ride Out campaign, which aims to fund additional rides for families in need throughout the holiday season and beyond.
"While many of us will enjoy a happy and peaceful season, thousands of others will not,” Hayes stated.
“Your contribution can make a real difference in helping individuals and families celebrate the season safely."
According to data from WESNET, the demand for free rides through the partnership has surged.
Since its inception in 2019, Uber’s Driving Change Program has provided over 7,400 rides to vulnerable Australians.
“We know from experience that domestic violence spikes over the festive period," said Karen Bentley, CEO of WESNET. "For many families it’s a time of joy and togetherness, but many others are in dire need and rely on us to provide help and a safe escape when they need it most.”
The demand for safe passage from individuals experiencing violence has led to a 45 percent increase in demand for free rides through Uber’s program compared to last year.
"Free rides through the Driving Change Program have been critical in enabling us to support victims wherever they are in Australia," Bentley explained. "But with demand increasing, our network is feeling the strain. We’re asking Australians not to let these horrific statistics pass them by. Please consider donating to WESNET to help the next survivor escape violence and get a safe ride out."
Technology for Empowered Safety
This partnership is not only about safe transportation.
Uber, through its commitment to staying ahead of the curve and deploying technology for social good.
Beyond safe rides, Uber and Uber Eats have partnered with Share the Dignity to donate over 71,000 period products to women in need. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to tackling this critical need head on.
"We are committed to using our platform and technology to help address these issues,” said Nicole Ashcroft, Head of Safety at Uber ANZ. “Finance and support individuals escaping violence.
**Uber and WESNET encourage Australians to donate and help ensure everyone can experience a safe and joyful holiday season.
**To donate to the Safe Ride campaign, please visit [donation link].
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000. For confidential support contact 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732 or visit WESNET directly at[websitelink[websitelink
What is the Safe Ride Out campaign and why is it important during the holiday season?
## A Safe Ride to Safety This Holiday Season
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Today, we’re discussing a critical issue that affects many families, especially during the holiday season – domestic violence. Joining us is Christie Hayes, TV personality and advocate, to talk about a new campaign launched by Uber and WESNET aimed at helping those fleeing violence. Christie, thank you for being here.
**Christie Hayes:** It’s important to talk about this, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. Let’s start by acknowledging the harsh reality – domestic violence tragically affects many Australians, and often intensifies during the holidays. Can you tell us about the situation and why initiatives like Safe Ride Out are so crucial?
**Christie Hayes:** As someone who has experienced domestic violence firsthand, I know how terrifying and isolating it can be. For many, the holidays are a time when tensions rise, making it even more dangerous for those experiencing abuse. Safe Ride Out aims to provide a lifeline – free and safe transportation for women and children fleeing these dangerous situations. It’s about giving them the chance to escape and access the help they desperately need.
**Interviewer:** This campaign sounds incredibly necessary. How does the partnership between Uber and WESNET, in conjunction with Safe Ride Out, work?
**Christie Hayes:** Uber’s Driving Change Program, which began in 2019, has already provided over 7,400 rides to vulnerable Australians. This partnership with WESNET takes it a step further. Safe Ride Out allows WESNET, who has been working tirelessly to support survivors of domestic violence, to offer these life-changing rides to those who need them most.
**Interviewer:** That’s truly inspiring. How can Australians get involved and support this initiative?
**Christie Hayes:** Every contribution, big or small, can make a difference. People can donate directly to the Safe Ride Out campaign through WESNET’s website, which will fund more rides during the holiday season and beyond. It’s about creating a safer future for countless families.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Christie, for highlighting this important issue and for your unwavering advocacy. We encourage everyone listening to learn more about the Safe Ride Out campaign and support its efforts.