Coalition pledges $78 million for Australians fleeing domestic violence

Women and children escaping violent home situations will have more places to sleep in the coming years through a new federal government funding windfall.

Minister for Women Kelly O'Dwyer and Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Minister for Women Kelly O'Dwyer and Prime Minister Scott Morrison Source: AAP

More than 450 new safe spaces are set to be built to house thousands of women and children escaping domestic violence each year, through $78 million in fresh funding.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will announce the spend on Monday in an address at the National Press Club, where he'll argue the coalition is best placed to keep Australians safe against all manner of threats.

The bulk of the money, $60 million, will be given to eligible organisations to provide new emergency housing for people fleeing violence at home, or build upon housing already on offer.

More than 6500 people are expected to be kept safe through the new spaces each year.

A program that provides security upgrades and helps women with safety planning so they can stay in their homes with their children, when it is safe to, will benefit from the remaining $18 million.

The Keeping Women Safe in their Homes initiative has helped 5200 women since 2015/16.

Mr Morrison said the money is a commitment to the nation's fourth action plan for reducing violence against women and their children, which is focused on 2019-2020.

"The first priority of my government is to keep Australians safe and secure," he said.
Minister for Women Kelly O'Dwyer said women have the right to be safe in their homes, online and in their workplaces.

"The government has zero tolerance for violence against women and this new package will make a very real difference to women and children right across Australia."

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2 min read
Published 11 February 2019 12:04am
Updated 11 February 2019 5:21am


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