More domestic violence victim-survivors across Tweed will receive critical support with a $20 million relief package for more than 180 NSW specialist frontline services being delivered, as an annual international violence prevention campaign kicks off today.
Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest said the package will provide extra funding for vital frontline sexual and domestic violence services.
“Frontline workers across the Tweed have been working tirelessly during the pandemic and recovery period to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Mr Provest said.
“This funding will help ensure more victim-survivors get the assistance they need and the tailored supports that can make a meaningful difference, at this challenging time.”
This is the first tranche of new Commonwealth funding under the Domestic and Family Violence National Partnership Agreement 2021-23.The new Commonwealth funding will complement existing investments from the NSW Government for domestic violence services.
The investment also comes amid the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international awareness campaign that begins today (25 November) – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – and runs until World Human Rights Day on 10 December.
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the package forms part of the additional $140 million funding boost over two years from the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.
“Our frontline providers have been facing greater need for their life-saving services and support from women and children fleeing domestic abuse during and following lockdowns necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Speakman said.
“This flexible funding will help services retain highly-skilled staff and support their wellbeing, provide additional brokerage to assist victim-survivors with essentials such as furniture, and cover COVID-19 cleaning and interpreter costs.”
The package provides extra funding for existing specialist domestic and family violence services, including:
- Staying Home Leaving Violence to reduce victim-survivor homelessness;
- Women’s refuges to support women and children in need of crisis accommodation;
- Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Services Program, to provide women and their children with the emotional and practical support they need to recover from domestic and family violence;
- Domestic Violence Response Enhancement to provide after-hours crisis support services for victims;
- Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services to help women and children escaping violence with their legal, social and welfare needs;
- Specialist workers to provide trauma informed support for children and young people in 20 priority refuges;
- Men’s Behaviour Change Programs and other perpetrator interventions; and
- Local Support Services for male victim-survivors.
The $140 million funding boost is part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget, which committed a record $687 million over four years (including $80 million in Commonwealth funding) to improve victim safety and reduce family violence reoffending.
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491).