Domestic violence services in the Narromine region will benefit from an expansion of an important NSW Government program to help more victim-survivors stay in their homes.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the expansion of NSW Police’s Staying Home Leaving Violence program to the Narromine Shire local government area will assist women and children to stay safely in the family home, while the perpetrator is removed.
“In the 12 months to September 2021 the Narromine Shire had the seventh highest rate of incidents of domestic assaults in NSW, more than 2.7 times the state average,” Mr Saunders said.
“Domestic violence is a scourge in our community, and women and children trying to escape a violent situation will often sadly be forced to leave their home and move away from their crucial support network of family and friends.
“The Staying Home Leaving Violence program turns that around, allowing women and children to stay safely and heal in their own home.”
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the $19.8 million funding commitment over four years means the program will expand from 33 existing locations to reach 70 locations across the state, focussing on areas with high demand.
“This funding is going to 28 service providers, who do incredible work to help victim-survivors, to expand their geographical reach to support more women,” Mrs Ward said.
The commitment forms part of a $32.5 million announcement in the 2021/22 NSW Budget.
The Staying Home Leaving Violence program works in cooperation with NSW Police and supports victim-survivors to remain safely in the home. Services available include improving home security, help with managing finances and legal issues and support for children.