Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman is urging locals to help The Women’s Cottage in Richmond raise money to help meet soaring demand for family violence services, by contributing to a fund for an extension.

The Cottage has secured a $75,000 State Government grant, and is looking to match the funding to build the new extension so the team can see more women, run more groups, and have a safer area for children to play.

“There has been a big focus in recent times on the treatment of women in Parliament House and the rape of Brittany Higgins, but let’s also remember that violence against women is happening right here in our community,” Ms Templeman said.

“The Women’s Cottage is the only local specialist domestic family violence service supporting women at any stage of their experience with DV.

“For nearly 40 years The Women’s Cottage has been providing these much-needed services to local women, and demand has been increasing every year.

“I was really pleased to donate money to this fundraiser in lieu of sending out last year's Christmas cards, and I’d urge individuals, local businesses and groups to help them achieve their goal.

“All donations big and small will make a big difference to help bring safety and support to so many that the team assists every year.”

Manager Maria Losurdo said The Women’s Cottage had helped in more than 4,000 instances last year alone.

“Demand for our services has been going up for a very long time and we are bursting at the seams,” Ms Losurdo said.

“This extension will give us a new, bigger group room, more counselling rooms and a kids’ space, so we can run more groups and see more women.

“Gendered violence h