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Felicity Nelson
A new service to help women access legal advice, counselling services and emergency accommodation has been launched by Legal Aid NSW.
The South West Sydney Domestic Violence Unit is the first of 12 specialist units supported by the government’s $15 million package.
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The unit will receive $1.05 million over three years to assist women who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, domestic violence.
It will help women access legal advice, as well as other services such as financial counselling, tenancy assistance, trauma counselling, and emergency accommodation.
This pilot program is part of the government’s $100 million Women’s Safety Package.
Attorney-General George Brandis and Minister for Women Michaelia Cash congratulated Legal Aid NSW on opening the unit in a joint statement.
“Domestic and family violence is unacceptable, and the government is committed to addressing the issue as a matter of urgency,” the statement read.
The 12 specialist units will also include targeted assistance to Indigenous women, and those facing cultural and linguistic barriers.
