November 2002

Boost for family violence services

The peak body for Victoria’s family violence crisis protection services is benefiting from a $100,000 funding boost.

Community Services and Housing Minister Bronwyn Pike outlined the initiative at the Annual General Meeting of the Victorian Women’s Refuges and Associated Domestic Violence Services (VWRADVS).

‘This funding is a key to further building the constructive and professional working relationship between the Government and the family violence sector.’

Family violence services cover women’s refuges and outreach services. There are 27 women’s refuges across Victoria providing secure, supported accommodation.

Outreach services offer a range of support and temporary accommodation services.

Ms Pike said the funding was particularly important given the continuing development of the Family and Domestic Violence Crisis Protection Framework.

‘We are strengthening family violence services to provide greater support to women and those escaping domestic abuse.’

Under the guidance of the framework, agencies provide diverse support and accommodation services for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Services include overnight accommodation or private rental housing, bond assistance or assistance to women to remain living safely in their own home.

‘Family violence is a disturbing problem in society and now is the time to strengthen and co-ordinate the services for women and children experiencing family violence,’ she said.