Female domestic violence victims given two-bedroom units to live in
FEMALE victims of domestic violence will be given new two-bedroom units to live in, rather than being squeezed into communes under a state government trial.
NSW
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FEMALE victims of domestic violence will be given new two-bedroom units to live in, rather than being squeezed into communes under a state government trial.
The new living arrangements — a NSW first — will be first trialled in Orange, which has one of the state’s worst domestic violence assault rates. It bucks the state’s traditional refuge model for victims of serious domestic violence with the intention of giving the women and children escaping abusive relationships more independence.
The government is spending $4 million on the trial, which puts the units on a single large plot of land allowing shared security features to protect the women. In 2016-17 there were 5137 women aged over 15 who were provided with short-term or emergency homeless accommodation.
The change also means women can keep teenage sons with them, who are often not welcome at communal refuges.
The units, which are convertible from two bedrooms to large one-bedroom to even three-bedroom arrangements based on the woman’s family, will also have access to a separate facility for on-site support.
They will be furnished with televisions and the women will be able to share a gym.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Pru Goward said it offered a more homelike environment.
“This new model allows women and their children greater privacy and independence in a homelike environment where there is still access to vital support,” Ms Goward said. “It ensures they have the necessary personal space to re-establish their daily routines and a sense of normalcy, but with service providers close by while they continue their recovery.
“We know our regional services, starting with this one in Orange, will welcome the opportunity to provide more accommodation for women and children leaving domestic violence.”
The Orange trial is being built by non-government organisation Housing Plus.