The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to support victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence with additional safe accommodation options and front line service workers.
The Salvation Army will build ten self-contained units at the Karratha Women's Refuge in the remote Pilbara region, as one of five West Australian organisations receiving funding under the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program.
The Karratha Women's Refuge will also receive eight new full-time equivalent workers under the extension to the National Partnership Agreement on Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-2027.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth today visited the Fleetwood Australia factory in Perth where the new homes are being manufactured.
“Women experiencing violence in their home need to be able to access a safe place to stay when they need it most,” Minister Rishworth said.
“It is critical they are able to get help as they take early steps to a safe new life for them and their children.
“These new units and front line workers will be there to support them in those early, unsure days.”
West Australian Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Sabine Winton said the State Government was committed to working with the Federal Government to support victim-survivors.
“There is no excuse for violence. It is wonderful to see the Federal Government, State Government, and private sector working together to provide safe spaces for women escaping violence,” Minister Winton said.
“The Salvation Army is well-positioned to manage these units, which will offer vital to support to the Pilbara region.”
The Salvation Army’s National General Manager for Family and Domestic Violence Services Lorrinda Hamilton said the refuge would provide therapeutic specialist family violence services in a culturally-sensitive environment to address increased demand in the Pilbara region.
“We have drawn on local feedback with community and indigenous leaders, as well as best-practice research, to design and build a facility that will be a safe haven for women and children escaping violence,” Ms Hamilton said.
“This is a great outcome for Pilbara communities and would not have been possible without the collaborative commitment and contribution of the Commonwealth and State Governments, together with The Salvation Army’s funding partners Lotterywest, Woodside and Rio Tinto.”
The Karratha dwellings are expected to be transported to the site by late July 2024 and operational by 30 January 2025.
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.
Minister Rishworth said that the Australian Government has committed $100 million over five years up to 2026-27 through the Safe Places Inclusion Round, which is a key part of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032,
“The Safe Places Inclusion round will deliver up to 720 new safe places for women and children across Australia, bringing the total number of safe places to around 1,500 (including the first round of projects).” Minister Rishworth said.
“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.”
Successful projects will be announced and commence later this year.
More information on the Safe Places program is available on the Department of Social Services website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.
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.
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.