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Australian Open champion helping local domestic violence survivors

Got Your Back Sista

A unique piece of tennis history is being raffled to raise vital funds for women and children escaping domestic violence, thanks to a generous donation from tennis legend Jelena Dokic and world champion Aryna Sabalenka.

 

Jelena Dokic gifted domestic violence charity, Got Your Back Sista, a signed Australian Open towel — autographed live on air by Aryna Sabalenka during the 2024 tournament — following her connection with the charity at the Gen Collective International Women’s Day 2024 event, where Jelena was the keynote speaker and Got Your Back Sista the official charity partner.

 

Inspired by the work of the charity and her own personal experiences, Jelena was determined to help make a difference.

 

The towel will be raffled online throughout May, which is recognised as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Funds raised from the raffle will directly support Got Your Back Sista’s one-on-one casework support service — the charity’s most vital program helping women and children experiencing domestic violence. Through this program, GYBS caseworkers provide personalised information and advice, referrals to legal services, housing organisations, and counselling, emotional support, as well as assistance accessing financial support.

 

‘We are incredibly honoured by Jelena’s generosity and support,” said Melissa Histon, Chairperson of Got Your Back Sista.

 

‘As well as a legendary tennis champion, Jelena is a wonderful advocate for bringing awareness to domestic violence.

 

‘This towel is not just a rare piece of tennis history — it represents solidarity, strength and support for survivors of domestic violence. Every raffle ticket sold helps us continue our vital work.

 

‘Given Jelena’s own courageous journey in speaking out about the domestic violence she experienced from her father — and the lack of support she received — it feels deeply fitting that the funds raised through this raffle will go directly towards providing personalised, compassionate help to women and children who need it most,’ said Ms Histon.

 

‘Every ticket sold is a step toward changing a life,’ she said.

 

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online at www.gotyourbacksista.com. Ticket sales will close at 4:00pm on Saturday 31st May 2025, and the raffle drawn live via Got Your Back Sista’s Facebook page at 4:30pm that afternoon.

 

See Aryna Sabalenka sign the AO towel here: https://www.youtube.com/clip/UgkxUmvWDDOnTYn8pAxVNpVC3e-JK5Nyq18v

 

About us:

Got Your Back Sista provides an end-to-end domestic violence service from crisis to healing. We educate, counsel, guide and empower women and children who have experienced domestic violence to move forward, to live safely and free from abuse. We do this so they can live independently and thrive.

Contact details:

For media enquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:

Melissa Histon

Got Your Back Sista
[email protected]
0405405245

@gotyourbacksista

@melissahiston