The NSW Government has today confirmed funding for vital domestic violence services being provided by Relationships Australia NSW.
Relationships Australia NSW will receive $711,619 for the next 12 months to support two community-based projects and specialist workers to support children and young people in priority refuges.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, said: “The NSW Government takes domestic violence seriously and sees the services provided by Relationships Australia NSW as critical in tackling the heart of the problem.
“Funding for these services was due to end this Friday 30 June, a legacy of the previous government, who had no plan to continue what we see as important programs.
“We are preparing for a September Budget, and future funding processes for these types of critical services will be considered carefully.”
Services saved from the funding ‘cliff’ are Relationship Australia NSW’s culturally adapted Men’s Behaviour Change Program in Blacktown, and an elder abuse early intervention program.
The NSW Government have also committed to introducing longer-term 5-year funding arrangements for key community service providers, including domestic violence support services. This will help ensure these essential organisations are not placed in precarious situations which threaten the support they offer to those in need.
“These programs focus on early intervention, hopefully preventing women, children, and the elderly from experiencing abuse in the first place,” Minister Harrison said.
“The NSW Government looks forward to working in collaboration with Relationships Australia NSW, as we combat the scourge that is domestic and family violence and elder abuse.”
Other crucial services that the NSW Government has continued to provide funding for are the 20 specialist workers who support children and young people presenting to specialist domestic and family violence services.