Women and children fleeing violence will benefit from a massive NSW Government investment in housing and specialist support services. Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves said that the $484.3 million funding boost over four years is the single biggest investment in tackling domestic and family violence in NSW history.
The Government will invest $426.6 million to deliver and operate 75 extra women’s refuges designed around the ground-breaking Core and Cluster model. $52.5 million will fund an additional 200 sustainable and affordable housing units and $5.2 million will go to trial a program in two districts providing dedicated supports to accompanied children and young people impacted by domestic and family violence.
“Secure and stable accommodation is one of the biggest challenges a woman and her children can face when trying to safely leave a violent relationship,” Mr Sidgreaves said.
“In fact, domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women and children, with almost 40 per cent of the people who accessed specialist homelessness services in NSW in 2019-20 having experienced domestic abuse.”
Mr Sidgreaves said children impacted by family violence must not be forgotten, which is why the Government is also investing in specialist supports for children and young people as part of this week’s package.
“Specialist homelessness services supported more than 8,200 children in families experiencing domestic violence 2019-20. The trial announced this week will provide another 3,200 children and young people with access to the trauma-informed care and educational supports they need to help them recover too,” Mr Sidgreaves said.
