Coronavirus: $50m to aid threatened families and homeless

The Andrews government has announced almost $50m in funding to assist family violence victims and the homeless.

‘For some women, the biggest fear during this pandemic won’t be corona­virus — it will be the fear they can’t escape a violent partner’: Minister Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams. Picture: AAP

The Andrews government has announced almost $50m in funding to assist family violence victims and the homeless during the corona­virus pandemic.

Almost half of a $40.2m family violence package will go towards providing short-term accommodation for people who do not feel safe living at home during the pandemic because of a violent family member.

The other $20.2m will be provided to family violence ser­vices to help them address an anticipated increase in demand as a result of families spending more time in isolation during the lockdown.

Minister Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Will­iams said the investment added to $6m from the federal government to help meet the needs of Vic­torians experiencing family violence during the pandemic.

“For some women, the biggest fear during this pandemic won’t be corona­virus — it will be the fear they can’t escape a violent partner,” she said.

“That’s why this funding is so important: it will give them and their children a safe place to go.”

Another almost $9m will go towards repurposing four former aged-care sites in inner Melbourne to provide accommo­dation for homeless Victorians required to self-isolate during the pandemic.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne on Friday announced $8.8m for four pop-up facilities to provide healthcare and supported accommodation for more than 200 rough sleepers over the next six months.