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NSW service providers receive boost to help domestic violence victims
The NSW government has announced that 45 service providers will receive a funding boost as part of Australia’s national domestic violence response.
Lauren Croft
The NSW and federal governments have announced the recipients of the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Infrastructure Grant program, which will provide further assistance to victim-survivors across the state.
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As part of the program, the government will provide 45 service providers with a share of $8.6 million, which will help domestic violence victim-survivors access extra help and enhanced frontline support.
Attorney-General and the Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Mark Speakman said the investment would fund 50 projects including upgrades at women’s shelters and new crisis accommodation with enhanced security.
“Our dedicated frontline services and their workers have been facing even greater challenges as a result of COVID-19,” he said.
“This funding will allow those providers to renovate kitchens and bathrooms, repair plumbing and roofing damage, improve counselling areas, and most importantly to offer more women a safe space and life-saving assistance when fleeing domestic violence.”
The funding is part of the $416.2 million the Morrison government has committed to spend over the next four years to support women and families across the country experiencing family and domestic violence through a number of measures.
The government also recently committed to spend an extra $32.5 million over the next four years expanding the Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program across the state to assist victim-survivors.
The announcement is also part of a statewide response to domestic violence, with a $90 million funding boost announced as part of the NSW budget this month to support women and children at risk.
Delia Donovan, chief executive of Domestic Violence NSW, added that the funding will help vulnerable people across the state who may face extra barriers when escaping unsafe homes.
“I support this funding, and the tireless work of these 45 providers who are making a big difference to families in crisis,” she said.
“This program is going to help improve so many frontline services across a range of works like building or purchasing more accommodation, replacing playground equipment for kids, security-related works, upgrading counselling rooms, and enhancing amenities to support vulnerable women and children.”
