As part of the Albanese Labor Government’s Safe Places Emergency Accommodation program, St Vincent’s Australia will provide more emergency accommodation for women and children in the Parramatta area.
Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, today officially opened the St Vincent’s Clinic ‘The Cottage’ which will provide seven new emergency accommodation units for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
“It is vital that all women and children who experience family and domestic violence can access a safe place to find refuge and support,” said Assistant Minister Elliot.
“These life changing homes at The Cottage will provide over 19 safe places at a time, and support over 100 women and children each and every year to begin their next steps.”
Local member for Parramatta, Dr Andrew Charlton MP, said how vital these supports are for the community.
“The Cottage will importantly be a place of specialised support services, providing person-centred support for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.”
The Safe Places Emergency Accommodation program funds the renovation, building and purchase of new crisis or emergency accommodation to support women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
As part of the 2022-23 October Budget, the Albanese Labor Government committed $100 million over five years up to 2026-27 to continue the Safe Places program through the Safe Places Inclusion Round.
This $100 million investment will increase the number of new and appropriate emergency accommodation places across Australia, focusing on providing support for First Nations women and children, women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and women and children with disability.
The Inclusion Round will deliver up to 720 new safe places for women and children across Australia. Once completed, this will bring the total number of safe places to around 1,500 (including the first round of projects).
More information on the Safe Places program is available on the Department of Social Services website.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au
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 www.ntv.org.au