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The former Chair of the Taskforce on Violence Against Women and Girls in Jersey has been appointed as new CEO of Freeda, Free from Domestic Abuse.
Formerly the Jersey Women's Refuge, Freeda is Jersey’s only independent service exclusively for women and their children fleeing from domestic abuse and violence.
Kate Wright's role leading the VAWG Taskforce saw her work with various stakeholders to produce a number of recommendations for institutional improvement that were accepted by the Government and States of Jersey Police.
Ms Wright has also served as Director of Arbre Consulting and is a co-founder of The Diversity Network, and has held voluntary positions including chairing the Jersey Community Relations Trust and acting as an Adult Advisory Panel member for the Office of the Children’s Commissioner.
A spokesperson for Freeda said her "outstanding leadership" will benefit the charity's services to support women in Jersey and combat domestic abuse.
Pictured: Kate Wright will begin her tenure as CEO on Tuesday October 1.
"At Freeda, we feel privileged that Kate has accepted our part-time CEO role. Kate’s understanding of and passionate commitment to our cause are crucial to ensuring Freeda’s success in delivering our services to women in need," the charity said.
"This, combined with her outstanding leadership and diverse skills will help drive forward Freeda’s far-reaching mission to free our island from domestic abuse and ensure protection for those women and children seeking safety."
The appointment comes at a time when Jersey's third sector suffering significant financial difficulties, highlighted by the shock closure of the mental health charity Jersey Recovery College last month.
Freeda said their new CEO should help "lead [the charity] at this difficult time".
"As highlighted recently by the Charity Commissioner and the Association of Jersey Charities, charities are facing increasing financial challenges. We feel very fortunate to be able to count on someone of Kate's calibre... and to build on the great progress achieved by our former CEO, Lisa Leventhal, and our dedicated team of professionals. We are confident that with Kate in the driving seat, we will be able to ensure a dynamic and sustainable future for Freeda."
Listen: Bailiwick Podcasts previously spoke to former CEO Lisa Leventhal and founder Rozelle Sutherland to mark the charity's 35th anniversary last year.
Ms Wright said it was a "real honour" to be taking up the role at Freeda, adding that she had come to "respect and admire" its "vital work" while serving on the VAWG Taskforce.
"The Taskforce has changed my life and informed my perspective, igniting a passion in me to work with other key partners to change the landscape for victim-survivors of VAWG in Jersey. To be working with the passionate, brilliant professionals and volunteers at Freeda in this aim is an opportunity I am very excited to be taking up."
Freeda offers listening, assistance and advisory support services at their residential safehouse and in the community.
They are available 24/7 on their helpline 0800 7356836 or via email hello@freeda.org.je.
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