The Albanese Labor Government continues to deliver on its commitment to ending family and domestic violence against women and children, with the delivery of new emergency accommodation for victim-survivors in Perth’s CBD.
The Ruah Centre for Women and Children has now officially opened and includes eight self-contained Safe Places units that will provide emergency accommodation for up to 307 women and children experiencing family and domestic violence each year.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said emergency accommodation plays an important role in supporting victim-survivors to leave unhealthy relationships and build better lives for themselves free from violence.
“Family and domestic violence is an entirely preventable affliction in Australian society and remains as one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children across the country,” Minister Rishworth said.
“It is unacceptable that LGBTIQA+ community members often face additional barriers when attempting to access vital supports and services, particularly within regional and remote communities.”
The Albanese Labor Government has committed more than $172.6 million through the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation (Safe Places) program under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children to support the renovation, building or purchase of new crisis or emergency accommodation for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, said she was pleased to see the Ruah Centre open, following her visit to the site during construction last year.
“The Ruah Centre for Women and Children is an ideally situated hub that is providing essential services and trauma-informed support - such as accommodation, medical, counselling, dental, and legal support”, Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“No one should have to choose between personal safety or a roof over their heads, and our Safe Places program gives women and children the opportunity for a safer, brighter future.”
Local Federal ember for Perth, Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman, welcomed the continued development of emergency accommodation for women and children escaping violence in Western Australia.
“Ruah Community Services will help even more women in Perth find a safe place to call home this holiday season”, said Assistant Minister Gorman.
“I am proud to have championed the Ruah Centre for Women and Children ensuring Federal Government funding for both construction and ongoing services.”
“The people of Perth have strong values. The community expects us to act to help women and children safely escape family and domestic violence.”
“That’s why this accommodation is so important, and why our Government is getting on with the job of delivering national results for Perth families.”
Around 4,900 women and children across Australia are currently supported each year by the work of the Safe Places Program, with temporary housing, as well as case management and additional supports available while accessing the services.
More information on the Safe Places program is available on the Department of Social Services website.
More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children
2022-2032 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 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.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 www.ntv.org.au
Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.