Funds fight 'terrible scourge' of domestic violence

Nine year plan to combat abuse receives a further $328 million

MP Michelle Landry announces new funding to combat domestic violence at the Regional Women's Network lunch. Picture: Jann Houley

THE federal Coalition has pledged $328 million in funding to combat the "terrible scourge” of domestic violence..

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry made the announcement yesterday during the regional Women's Network lunch.

"We may not like to talk about it but domestic violence affects all of us, whether it's our own story or someone we know,” she said.

Results from a 2016 survey revealed more than 50,000 Queensland women had suffered partner violence in the previous year and 29,000 of them were sexually abused.

"That's Lang Park at capacity full of women who are subject to brutality and control,” Mrs Landry said.

"Those are shocking statistics so we're delivering a serious package to change the mindset of the nation towards violence against women.”

Ms Landry congratulated Prime Minister Scott Morrison for championing the largest investment by an Australian government to tackle domestic violence.

The funds include $82 million for frontline services, $68 million in prevention strategies and $78 million to provide safe places for women and children affected by violence.

Aboriginal communities would receive $35 million under the Indigenous Advance strategy, with a further $64million to go to the 1800RESPECT service.

Ms Landry visited the 1800RESPECT facilities in Brisbane earlier this week and said she was "amazed” by its counsellors.

"They're incredible people to talk to,” she said. "It's chilling to listen to their stories about what people are going through.”

Ms Landry said the funding was the fourth tranche in a plan, nine years in the making, to reduce domestic violence.

Originally published as Funds fight 'terrible scourge' of domestic violence