FEDERAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FUNDING WELCOMED, NOW THERE’S MORE WORK TO DO

The Family Co, the leading Domestic Violence Support Service in the Sutherland Shire, says domestic violence funding announced by the Federal Government is a much-needed injection and intervention.

Prime Minister Albanese today announced $925.2 million over fve years to permanently establish the Leaving Violence Program, providing those escaping violence with access to:

• Up to $5,000 in fnancial support

• Extra referral services

• Risk assessments and safety planning.

The Family Co looks forward to seeing more detail around the support for case management support and crisis assistance, ensuring the funding does not increase demand on these already stretched resources without adequate resourcing.

The Family Co. provides Domestic and Family Violence Services across the

Sutherland, Bayside and Georges River Police Area Commands, with services including crisis, court and therapeutic support.

“So far this year, 27 women have died at the hands of men in Australia,” said The Family Co. CEO Ashleigh Daines.

“Last year alone, there were 583 incidents of domestic violence related assaults in Sutherland according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

“And so far this year, our local service providing help in just three council areas has received about 1,600 referrals for domestic and family violence support.

“Men’s violence against women is not a tragedy, it’s a travesty.

“So we absolutely welcome this Federal Government commitment to more money. This funding will help get women and children out of dangerous situations.

“And we are calling on the NSW Government to step up further as well. We need more funding for domestic violence shelters, counselling services and front-line crisis support.

“But we also need more funding for prevention and early intervention services as well - to stop the violence from occurring in the frst place.

“We note the calls from Domestic Violence NSW – the peak group representing 150 organisations – for at least another $80 million for DV services in this year’s State Budget, and we support that.

“We also support No To Violence’s call for more than $42 million over fve years to fund Men’s Behavioural Change and other case management and diversionary programs.

“Last election, NSW Labor committed to longer-term funding for social services and more focus on driving domestic violence rates down, and now we need to see that translate to action.”