EVERYONE should be able to live free from violence and abuse and from the fear of it. Domestic and family violence (DFV) can be devastating for those affected and can lead to physical and psychological harm and homelessness. We are working hard to change – and save – lives for victim-survivors of DFV.
Frontline workers and volunteers are integral to responding to DFV. We are thankful for the work of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter, providing temporary supported accommodation and a secure and supportive environment for women who have experienced DFV and/or homelessness in our community. I recently toured their new premises and personally thanked the staff and volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the shelter.
The Women’s Shed Hornsby Ku-ring-gai (WSHK) is another community-based group working to empower vulnerable people within our local area. In particular we thank WSHK, local police personnel, Wahroonga Rotary and others who organised and participated in the WSHK Walk against Domestic Violence last month to raise awareness of DFV. As I shared on the day, “it is up to each and every one of us to call out domestic violence when we see it, to make it very clear that we stand against it”. With your help, we are making progress and will continue to advocate for an end to DFV while providing supports for victim-survivors.
The NSW Government is leading the nation with a landmark investment of almost $500 million over four years to deliver additional housing and specialist services to help victim-survivors flee, recover and thrive.
The majority of the funding, $426.6 million, will expand the network of women’s refuges to be designed in a hub and spoke model. Self-contained accommodation is located near a core that provides services such as counselling, legal assistance, education and employment support along with facilities such as meeting rooms, communal kitchens, playgrounds and technology to allow for remote court appearances.
It is a model that provides security and enables women to stay close to their support networks, employment and education while offering a pathway to independence for themselves and their children.
In an emergency call Triple Zero 000.
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
The NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491