Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Rudd Government supporting domestic violence services in Southern NSW

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Mike Kelly MP, Member for Eden-Monaro

Tanya Plibersek and Member for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly, today met with workers from the Bega Women’s Refuge to congratulate them on their success in assisting women who have experienced domestic violence to remain safe in their homes.

The Staying Home Leaving Violence program is a specialised domestic and family violence program aimed at preventing women and children from becoming homeless by giving them the opportunity to remain safely in their own homes without the violent partner.

The Bega pilot tested the conditions necessary to assist women and children who have experienced family violence. This may have required the removal and exclusion of the violent partner. The program aimed to provide opportunities of long-term stability for women and children in the security of their own homes and communities.

“I congratulate the great work of staff and volunteers from the Bega Women’s Refuge, their efforts have no doubt improved the lives of many women and children – this is the kind of program we need in more locations,” Ms Plibersek said.

“The Australian Government is committed to reducing the incidence of violence against women, and the Staying Home Leaving Violence program is one model we can draw ideas from.

“In March, the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children presented their report Time for Action to Government.

“The Australian Government is committed to addressing this vital issue, and will provide funding of $42 million for a package of new actions to reduce violence against women and their children.

“We look forward to working in partnership with State and Territory Governments to develop a National Plan for release in 2010 – working together, we can achieve a positive result for those affected by domestic violence.

Dr Kelly said: “Developing a national approach will allow ideas about best programs and practices like Staying Home Leaving Violence to be shared among other states and territories.”

Due to the success of the program, the NSW Government is providing funding to expand to another 16 sites from 2009 including Blacktown, Campbelltown, Moree, Newcastle and Wyong.