Domestic violence: Six Western Sydney suburbs identified as ‘hot spots’
EXCLUSIVE: The group of suburbs regarded as problem areas will receive priority attention in government programs as part of a national action plan to curb violence against women.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
SIX Western Sydney suburbs have been identified as domestic violence “hot spots” by the government as part of a national action plan to curb violence against women.
Bankstown, Campbelltown, Mt Druitt, Parramatta, Blacktown and Penrith are regarded as “hot spots” and will receive priority attention in government programs. Some 17 per cent of domestic violence victims in the region don’t speak English and 49 per cent speak a language other than English at home.
The government said it is delivering “innovative wraparound support in DV hot spots” which includes a specialist domestic violence unit in Liverpool.
So concerning is the issue across Western Sydney that an Arabic-speaking lawyer and a social worker have been hired by the government to work at the Liverpool specialist unit.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, whose first announcement as PM was a $100 million package to halt domestic violence, said it remained a key issue. “Ending domestic violence is a vital national priority for my government,’’ he said. “We must have zero tolerance and never excuse or overlook violence against women and children.”
The Liverpool unit provides expert legal assistance, crisis accommodation, counselling and financial advice.
Mr Turnbull’s office receives regular updates on how Western Sydney is responding to the government-funded programs.
The Prime Minister has made changing attitudes towards women in the community a priority.
“As parents, one of the most important and practical things we must do is ensure our sons respect their mothers and their sisters,’’ he said. “Disrespecting women does not always result in violence against women. But all violence against women begins with disrespecting women.”
The government’s national advertising campaign has been viewed 32.3 million times in the past three months, including on YouTube, Facebook and through other social media sharing.
“Our policies focus on protecting women and children in danger and preventing the causes of domestic violence — gender inequality and disrespect of women,’’ Mr Turnbull said.
Women’s Legal Services NSW — Domestic Violence Advocacy Service — 1800 810 784 or 02 8745 6999
Join the conversation
Cancer that killed dad won’t get me: Miracle drug gives Ryan hope
Ryan Harding has no memories of his father but he has lived with the same rare disease that took his life. Now, thanks to a newly PBS-listed miracle drug, he finally has hope—for himself and his future children.
Read more
‘Profits before patients’: Hospital slammed for hiring out maternity ward
The controversial Northern Beaches Hospital is putting “profits before patients” by hiring out one of its two maternity wards to film and TV crews rather than accommodate birthing mothers, irate staff claim.
Read more