More Support for Domestic and Family Violence Victim-Survivors on the Northern Beaches
Women and children fleeing violence at home on the Northern Beaches will benefit from a massive NSW Government investment in housing and specialist support services.
Member for Manly, James Griffin said the $484.3 million funding boost over four years is the single biggest investment in tackling domestic and family violence in NSW history.
“Secure and stable accommodation is one of the biggest challenges a woman and her children can face when trying to safely leave a violent relationship,” Mr Griffin said.
“In fact, domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women and children, with almost 40 per cent of the people who accessed specialist homelessness services in NSW in 2019-20 having experienced domestic abuse.
“This enormous commitment by the Government will help thousands of women and children across the state to access the shelter and supports they need to start rebuilding their lives.”
The Government will invest $426.6 million to deliver and operate 75 extra women’s refuges designed around the ground-breaking Core and Cluster model. These complexes provide a cluster of housing units built around a core where residents can access supports such as counselling and legal support, and amenities like communal kitchens and playgrounds.
$52.5 million will fund an additional 200 sustainable and affordable housing units under the Community Housing Innovation Fund, a partnership between the NSW Government and the community housing sector.
The Government will also invest $5.2 million to trial a program in two districts providing dedicated supports to accompanied children and young people impacted by domestic and family violence.
Mr Griffin said children impacted by family violence must not be forgotten, which is why the Government is also investing in specialist supports for children and young people as part of this week’s package.
“Specialist homelessness services supported more than 8,200 children in families experiencing domestic violence 2019-20. The trial announced this week will provide another 3,200 children and young people with access to the trauma-informed care and educational supports they need to help them recover too,” Mr Griffin said.
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63), NSW Rape Crisis (1800 424 017) or Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491). In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).