BENDIGO TAFE community services students hosted a film screening at Star Cinema on Wednesday night to raise money for the Centre for Non-Violence.
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The film chosen for the night was Wadjda, the first Saudi Arabian movie directed by a woman, Haifaa Al-Mansour.
Student Kelly Macartney, who helped organise the event, said the money raised would go towards a Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Fund for women fleeing violence.
"It's part of a project - we had to identify a need," Ms Macartney said.
"We thought there was a gap in recreation and self-care.
"Self-care, nurturing and recreation opportunities (are) such an important parts of the healing process, which are often overlooked.
"A common struggle in the lives of women and children who experience family violence is social isolation and we aim to make inclusion a key aspect of our fundraising.
"Family violence affects the lives of us all in one way or another."
Centre Prevention and Management manager Robyn Trainor said the event was both a fundraiser and a means of raising awareness.
"When the students approached us we thought it was a great opportunity," she said.
"Money will go toward gym memberships, yoga, hair appointments and other social and community inclusion programs."
Crisis units across Victoria were stretched, Ms Trainor said, which was why local initiatives were important.
"In Victoria, one in three women have experienced physical violence," she said.
"That's why funds and projects like this are so key.
"It's a great community learning initiative."
The screening was open to members of the general public and $800 was raised from the event.
The film was about women's rights in an oppressive country, making it a fitting choice, Ms Trainor said.
The Centre for Non-Violence is based in Bendigo and has caters to women and children in the Loddon Mallee region.
It delivers a wide range of services that assist women and children experiencing homelessness and family violence and also runs programs for men who are violent toward their families.
The centre's mission is to, "Promote policy and community action to end violence, bullying and abuse in the community."
To contact's women's and children's services call 5430 3000.
For the men's programs call 5434 4100.