2016-05-26
Greens plan would secure long-term funding for domestic violence services for Victoria
The Australian Greens have announced a plan to provide long-term, secure funding for domestic violence services, which would see an estimated $1.25 billion boost to specialist services in Victoria.
“Australia is in the middle of a domestic violence crisis, with vulnerable women being turned away from women’s shelters to face violence or homelessness, due to a lack of funding,” said Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens spokesperson for women.
“Every woman who bravely reaches out for help to escape domestic violence must be supported.”
The $5 billion nationwide commitment would be a massive boost in funding for front line specialist domestic violence services such as women’s shelters, crisis phone services and perpetrator programs. This is in addition to a previous commitment by the Greens to double federal funding for homelessness programs to $827 million per year and commitments on affordable housing.
“We hear a lot of talk from Labor and the Coalition about wanting to tackle the domestic violence crisis, but that hasn’t been backed up with serious commitments,” said Janet Rice, Australian Greens Senator for Victoria.
“So many people have done wonderful work advocating for change in Victoria, but the scourge remains.
“The Greens commitment to Victorian domestic violence services over the next 10 years must not be seen as a cost, but as an investment to ensure no woman is turned away when she bravely reaches out for help to survive.”
MEDIA CONTACTS
Senator Rice: Sam Drummond 0400 352 935
Senator Waters: Monique Vandeleur 0419 626 725