The New South Wales government has unveiled a record support package of $484.3 million for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
In a statement detailing the record investment, Premier Dominic Perrottet said:
“Everyone has a right to live a life free from violence and abuse, a right that is far too often callously eroded by those who perpetrate domestic violence.”
Premier Perrottet announced a nearly half a billion dollars package which will be delivered over the next four years to achieve the following:
- $426.6 million – to expand “Core and Cluster” arrangements and to deliver and operate an additional 75 refuges for women and children escaping domestic violence.
- $52.5 million – to the Community Housing Innovation Fund partnership with community housing to provide about 200 sustainable and affordable houses for women suffering domestic violence.
- $5.2 million – to trial dedicated support for accompanied children and young Australians – in two districts – at risk or experiencing homelessness.
In addition to counselling, legal assistance, education and employment support to women and children escaping DFV, the core sites mentioned in the plan will also provide meeting rooms, audio-visual equipment for court appearances, kitchen facilities and playgrounds.
Revealing that nearly 40 per cent of people who accessed specialist homelessness services in NSW from 2019-2020 has experienced domestic abuse, Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said:
“One of the most important things we can do in government is to ensure that when a victim-survivor makes the courageous decision to leave a violent home – a time when she actually faces the greatest risk – that there’s a secure, supportive environment waiting to help her.”
Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the trial – outlined in the package – would help support an additional 3,200 children and young people who he said were often the silent victims of DFV.
Chair of Domestic Violence NSW Annabelle Daniel welcomed the NSW government’s investment.
“We are pleased to see this new funding announcement recognising the urgent need for refuge supports in rural, regional and remote area and across NSW.”
NSW Police are called to more than 140,000 domestic and family violence (DFV) incidents per year.
Meanwhile in Australia, on average one woman is killed every nine days by a former or current partner.
