The Federal government has announced 19 new emergency accommodation projects around the country, providing 720 new safe places for women and children experiencing violence.
The nineteen projects applied and were successful in the Department of Social Services’ Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Inclusion Round, a capital investment funding program that falls under the government’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.
The projects, established over the next three years, will create 720 new safe places to help women and children who are victims of men’s violence access emergency accommodation, with a particular focus on First Nations women and children, women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and women and children with disability.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth is in Townsville, Queensland today to announce the successful grant applicants and to launch the new emergency accommodation projects.
“Family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness and housing uncertainty for women and children across Australia, and we know there is an increased demand for emergency accommodation,” Minister Rishworth said.,
“We are funding the delivery of around 720 new safe places, which will bring the total number of emergency accommodation places delivered under the Safe Places Program across Australia to around 1500 once projects are completed.
“The new projects will have a focus on improving inclusion and access to support for First Nations women and children, women and children with disability, and women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, who we know can face unique challenges and barriers to accessing support when experiencing violence.”
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot said the government is committed to ending violence against women and children.
“Anyone experiencing family or domestic violence should have access to a safe place, where they can connect with specialised services and supports that effectively meet their needs,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“Along with states and territories we are committed to ending violence against women and children in one generation through our investments under the National Plan and this investment will help to progress this goal.”
‘A message for men’
The announcement of the new emergency accommodation sites comes as Australia is experiencing a devastating uptick in men’s violence against women and children. Just this weekend, a man in Sydney’s west intentionally trapped seven children and their mother inside their burning home, police allege.
Meanwhile, on Monday night, NSW police arrested a 22-year-old man in Penrith over the fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old woman. Police said the pair were in a “domestic relationship” and the man is “now wanted in relation to (the woman’s) death”.
The 21-year-old woman’s death is the 40th life lost to men’s violence against women in 2024 in Australia.
Speaking on the Seven Network’s Sunrise this morning on the emergency accommodation government announcement, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said action against family, domestic and sexual violence must be taken from a number of approaches, including more investment in early intervention and precention.
“And we need to have the focus not just on victim-survivors, but how we look at perpetrators,” Minister Rishworth said.
“My message to women is that you don’t have to suffer alone – look for the signs of controlling behaviour where your autonomy might be taken away and reach out to for help. Please call 1800RESPECT.
“But I also have a message for men. Many men aren’t engaged in violent behaviour, but may know a workmate or a friend. Do call it out. Do be a positive bystander, call it out and ask people. Ask if you can help someone that’s involved as well.”
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.