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NSW A-G announces $20m boost for domestic violence support
More domestic violence victim-survivors will receive the support they need with a $20 million injection into NSW frontline services.
Lauren Croft
The relief package is part of an additional $140 million funding boost under the Domestic and Family Violence National Partnership Agreement 2021-23 and will see over 180 NSW specialist frontline services receive a $20 million funding injection.
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Announced as an annual international violence prevention campaign begins, the new Commonwealth funding will complement existing investments from the NSW government for domestic violence services.
Attorney-General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Mark Speakman, said that the package would provide extra funding for existing specialist domestic and family violence services.
“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,” he 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.”
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston thanked the dedicated service providers for their commitment to keeping women and children safe under the challenging circumstances of the pandemic.
“Women who are socially isolated often face extra barriers when trying to leave violent partners. This, combined with the financial and mental stressors of the pandemic has increased the complexity of many cases,” she said.
“This investment will better support victim-survivors who come forward to report abuse – both during lockdowns and now that restrictions have eased.”
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.
Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, welcomed the funding, which she said is essential to helping women and children who found it harder to access support during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“The danger of domestic abuse is heightened behind closed doors. If women are forced to stay at home, they have fewer chances to seek help,” she said.
“We expect waitlists to rise again now that the NSW lockdown has lifted, and this support package will help ensure our member services can meet the ongoing demand and need.”
