How it all began
About
Lisa Harnum Foundation’s vision is for all women and children to live safely and flourish – free from fear and from domestic abuse.
We strive to prevent family violence and end the cycle of abuse through education and social change. We do this by supporting those in need and providing safe and secure spaces to respect those who have lived in fear and help restore their dignity. Through advocacy, we endeavour to live in a community in which family violence is eradicated for everyone, by everyone.
We are inspired by the need to help others living in fear and violence and passionate about helping them find the freedom to flourish and feel empowered.
We are ethical, compassionate and honest – operating with integrity in our mission to eradicate the impact that family violence has on individuals, families and communities.
We exceed expectations in all that we do – from the safe spaces we deliver, to the advocacy we undertake – we do what’s right by the women and children we represent and hold our head high in the pursuit of excellence and innovative change.
We put people first, listen to their experiences and embrace their situations so that we can help them identify a solution that respectfully supports them finding their way to freedom.
Who is Lisa Harnum?
Lisa Harnum was thirty years old when she died, having been thrown from the 15th floor balcony in Sydney City, by her fiancé Simon Gittany. In the lead up to her death, Lisa had been intimidated and controlled by this man she feared. When Lisa tried to escape, Gittany became aggressive, dragged her back in to their apartment and ended her life.
Lisa represents every person who has been directly or indirectly affected by some kind of violence or abuse – whether it is physical, mental, emotional or financial. Yet, we tend to believe it will get better, so we ignore it or turn away instead of facing it. In truth, it will never be eradicated unless we face it head on and take a stand. Unless we make it STOP.
Making it stop means intervening. Making it stop means reporting it. Making it stop means saying something or doing something if the situation safely allows it. A few seconds can mean the difference between life and death.
“The loss of Lisa is devastating, and the pain is endless. The Lisa Harnum Foundation is the voice for those who need it. Through education, support and the provision of safe spaces, the Foundation is the light in the darkness, and a helping hand when you need it most.” Joan Harnum, Lisa’s Mother.
