VIC Government Announces $21M In Funding For New Domestic Violence Refuges

The Victorian government has today announced $21 million of funding for four new refuges for victims of domestic violence.

The refuges are in response to recommendations from Royal Commission Into Family Violence, the results of which were released in late March this year.
The refuges are intended to be completed by mid-next year and, as well as providing separate rooms for women and children, provide in-house, 24/7 support services.
According to Housing Minister Martin Foley, the refuges are designed to provide a safe, supportive mid-way point for victims to receive immediate support:
“It’s important that we give women and children escaping family violence every opportunity to take time in the right setting before they move on with their lives.

“These new homes will provide a short term hiatus — and coupled with a supportive environment, that’ll give them the safety and reassurance they need.”
In total, the Andrews government has pledged $572 million of the state budget towards attempting to tackle the issue of domestic violence in Victoria.

Family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women, with 40% of the women accessing Victoria’s homelessness services having been affected by it.

Domestic violence is never okay. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. If you feel you have ‘crossed the line’, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 for anonymous and confidential telephone counselling. And for young men and women concerned about their own behaviour, call 1800 MYLINE on 1800 695 463.
Source: Huffington Post.
Photo: Twitter.

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