More safe housing for women and children escaping violence

The Morrison Government is delivering new emergency accommodation in the Australian Capital Territory to support women and children fleeing violence.

Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston and Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja will today visit Toora Women Inc. to discuss how the new emergency accommodation will assist women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

“Toora received $800,000 under the Government’s Safe Places emergency accommodation program to purchase and renovate two properties that would support around 60 women and children each year in the greater Canberra region,” Minister Ruston said.

“Importantly, these new Safe Places include security features and are designed to accommodate women and children with disabilities.

“I want to congratulate Toora on the opening of its Safe Places project and thank its partners for contributing to this important project.”

“It is vital women and children have somewhere safe to go when they make the brave decision to leave a violent situation,” Minister Seselja said.

“These new places would not only ensure women and children in the ACT have somewhere safe to sleep but would also provide access to specialist family and domestic violence services to help create real and lasting change in their lives.”

“Keeping Australians safe is a key priority of the Morrison Government, and we know family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children,” Minister Seselja said.

Toora Women Inc Chief Executive Officer Susan Clarke-Lindfield said there is a high demand for support services for women escaping violence and limited resources to meet the need.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to offer safe shelter to women and children,” Ms Clarke-Lindfield said.

The ACT received $2 million as part of the Government’s successful $72.6 million Safe Places Emergency Accommodation program.

In total, 44 Safe Places projects Australia-wide will deliver about 780 new safe places assisting about 6,340 women and children experiencing family and domestic violence each year.

For more information on the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation grants, visit the Community Grants Hub. 

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.