By Lija Matthews, Founder, Change For Sam & Sam’s Best Friend
At Change For Sam, we’re driven by a powerful mission: to help keep victim-survivors of family violence safe, supported, and empowered. Our work began from personal tragedy and a determination to ensure no one else falls through the cracks.
The charity was founded in honour of Samantha Fraser, who was tragically murdered by her ex-partner on Phillip Island in July 2018. Sam was bright, compassionate, and deeply loved — but the system failed her. One of those failures was the lack of access to a personal safety device, even after she left the relationship.
In Sam’s name, we created a charity that now helps hundreds of victim-survivors access 24/7 monitored personal safety devices — free of charge.
These devices are small, discreet, and incredibly powerful. At the press of a silent button, the wearer is connected to a professional monitoring team who can assess the situation and alert emergency services if needed. It’s not just a device — it’s a lifeline, offering real-time protection and peace of mind.
Change for Sam works in partnership with frontline family violence agencies across Victoria to ensure these life-saving devices reach those who need them most. If someone doesn’t meet the strict eligibility criteria for a government-funded device, they are offered one through Change For Sam. We believe everyone has the right to feel safe — and no one should miss out just because they don’t tick a box.
In just 18 months, we’ve distributed 142 devices across the Victorian community — and demand continues to grow. Each device represents someone who now has a greater sense of security and a better chance of rebuilding their life.
Our program is also built on sustainability. When a device is no longer needed, it’s returned, cleaned, reset, and passed on to someone else in need. This allows us to extend the life of each device and empowers survivors to support others by paying it forward.
What makes Change For Sam unique is that we fill a gap in the system. We step in where others can’t. Because we know that safety shouldn’t be a privilege — it’s a basic right.
Our long-term goal is to provide widespread access to personal safety devices across Victoria and eventually expand interstate. But for now, we continue our work day by day, person by person — making a difference where it’s needed most.
Every donation, every partnership, and every act of support fuels our mission. We’re here to create real, lasting change — for Sam, and for every person like her.
Whether you choose to donate, fundraise, sponsor a device, or share our message you’re helping someone feel safer today. Visit changeforsam.com.au to learn more, get in touch, or make a contribution.
