Domestic violence: Government reveals $60m investment for families in need
The federal government will today reveal funding for 40 vital projects — including 16 based in NSW — aimed at helping 6000 vulnerable women and children escape the scourge of violence within the home.
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Hundreds of new safe places will be built for women and children fleeing domestic violence under a $60m investment in emergency accommodation.
Families and Social Services Minister Anne Ruston will today unveil 40 projects expected to help 6000 vulnerable Australians a year, funded under the federal government’s Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program, including 16 facilities in NSW.
About 1144 women and children will be assisted by the construction of 23 new dwellings by the Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services, while dozens of self-contained units will be built in Sydney’s south west, Blacktown, Parramatta and the Blue Mountains.
Eight self-contained studio apartments will be built in the Illawarra region, expected to assist 256 people a year, and more units will be built by Housing Plus in the Orana, central and far west regions of NSW.
Ms Ruston said it was an important investment to improve access to suitable accommodation for families.
“Sadly, we know that home is not safe for many women and children,” she said.
“When women make the decision to leave it is vital they have somewhere safe to go.
“This increase in emergency accommodation will support thousands of women and children as they rebuild their lives free of violence.”
Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services Assistant Minister Luke Howarth said the support would combat the “tragic” reality of family and domestic violence being a “leading cause” of homelessness for women and children.
“These new places will not only ensure women and children have somewhere safe to sleep, but will also provide access to specialist family and domestic violence services to help create real and lasting change in their lives,” he said.
“Importantly, about half of these places will be in remote and regional communities supporting those who have had limited safe housing options.’’
The safe housing program forms part of the $340m federal government investment in the National Action Plan to reduce violence against women and children.