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Charity CEO calls for increased domestic violence survivor support funding as demand rises in Australia

Torchlight Foundation

Key Facts:

• Torchlight Foundation, founded by domestic violence survivor Lisa Cotton, calls for increased funding to support its work with abuse survivors and community transformation programmes
• The organisation provides comprehensive services including counselling, legal support, housing assistance and runs innovative projects such as CAFE, Dandelion, and 100 Good Men
• The Foundation recently hosted its inaugural Torchlight Gala in March 2024, featuring domestic violence advocate Rosemary Batty AO and highlighting urgent support needs
• Rising demand for domestic violence support services necessitates additional funding to maintain and expand critical programmes and community initiatives
• Torchlight seeks donations, volunteers, and collaborators to support its mission of preventing abuse and providing comprehensive survivor support services

Founder & CEO, Lisa Cotton, Urges Greater Funding to Empower Survivors and Transform Communities

Sydney, Australia – August 15, 2025 – Today, Torchlight Foundation, led by founder and CEO Lisa Cotton, announces a call for expanded support and funding to continue its exceptional work empowering survivors of domestic violence and catalysing systemic change.

A Mission Sparked by Personal Resilience
Lisa Cotton founded Torchlight following her own experience with coercive control and abuse in a long-term relationship, recognising that “if it could happen to me, it could happen to any of us.”Her lived journey of survival has inspired the Foundation’s mission: Saving Survivors and creating a world where abuse is preventable, survivors receive unwavering support, and communities are empowered to drive meaningful transformation.

Comprehensive Programs for Healing and Advocacy
Torchlight delivers a broad spectrum of services, including counselling, legal and court support, housing assistance, financial guidance, child safety advocacy, and health and wellbeing programs. Through innovative initiatives, the Foundation fosters connection and healing:

• The CAFE Project — Creates warm, welcoming community spaces where survivors can gather, share, and heal.
  
  

• The Dandelion Project — Nurtures resilience in children affected by family violence, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.
  
  

• 100 Good Men — Mobilises men to become advocates, raise funds, and challenge societal norms around domestic violence.
  
  

Additionally, Justice Radio, a podcast hosted by Kylee Stone, brings survivor stories to the forefront and fosters community education and awareness.

Momentum from the Torchlight Gala
Torchlight recently hosted its inaugural Torchlight Gala in early March 2024 at the Miramare Gardens, Terrey Hills, marking International Women’s Day with a memorable collective commitment. The event featured stirring speeches, including one by domestic violence advocate Rosemary Batty AO. Lisa Cotton shared candidly about her personal experiences of coercion and control, highlighting the urgency of supporting survivors.

Why Increased Funding Matters Now

• Rising demand for domestic violence support services means more survivors need timely, comprehensive aid.
  
  

• Programs like the CAFE and Dandelion Projects directly support community resilience but rely heavily on donor and partner support.
  
  

• Justice Radio magnifies survivor voices, but a broader reach and production quality require sustainable investment.
  
  

“We can’t stand on the sidelines anymore,” says Lisa Cotton. “By investing in Torchlight, you invest in healing, hope, and the transformation of families and communities. No one should face abuse or recovery alone.”

Get Involved
Torchlight invites individuals, businesses, and philanthropic partners to:

• Donate to support critical services and the expansion of community-based programs.
  
  

• Volunteer to guide survivors through emotional support, legal navigation, or program facilitation.
  
  

• Collaborate on advocacy efforts, fundraising events, educational workshops, or outreach programs.
  
  

About us:

Torchlight Foundation is a nonprofit organisation committed to cultivating safe, respectful, and compassionate environments for adults and children. Through education, direct service, advocacy, and community-building, it works to eradicate domestic abuse and related harm while empowering survivors toward long-term healing and connection.

About Lisa Cotton
As founder and CEO, Lisa Cotton brings a profound understanding of domestic violence’s impact—born of personal experience and bolstered by professional involvement across government, community advocacy, and creative sectors. Her work with the Foundation, her public speaking, and her storytelling fuel Torchlight’s mission toward ending abuse and fostering systemic change.

Contact details:

For media inquiries, interviews, or information about how to support Torchlight Foundation, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1800 END ABUSE (1800 363 228)