$1 Million for 'Pop-Up' Safe House to Support Domestic Violence Victims

Domestic violence victims in the Manly area will have more vital help available as the COVID-19 response continues, with the NSW Government today investing more than $1 million to deliver a ‘pop-up’ safe house over the next six-months.

Member for Manly James Griffin said coronavirus has rightly prompted strong health advice reminding everyone to stay home to help slow the spread of the disease.

“The problem is, for thousands of women, men and children who suffer domestic violence – safety at home simply doesn’t exist,” Mr Griffin said.

“For those people, home doesn’t offer solace or support; it’s more likely a place of terror and one which they may very well need to urgently escape.”

Mr Griffin said the Manly Warringah Women’s Resource Centre would deliver services at the pop-up refuge to provide highly vulnerable women and their children with temporary and emergency accommodation.

“They’ll be able to house up to 90 individuals or 35 families, which is vital given the reported increase in frontline service demand during the COVID-19 crisis,” Mr Griffin said.

“The funding will also cover costs for staff, transport, cleaning, catering, food supplies, linen, utilities and maintenance.”

Mr Griffin said the Manly community has confronted enormous challenges during the pandemic, with immense pressures placed on businesses, households and families.

“I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone across the community that if you’re in danger, when it’s safe, please contact police or other support services. Help is here, and we’re ready and willing to support you,” Mr Griffin said.

The Manly ‘pop-up’ safe house is part of more than $21 million invested from the NSW and Federal Governments today to boost frontline service capacity and a range of other supports to victims of domestic and family violence right across NSW.