Blue Mountains News

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith yesterday announced the local recipients of the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Grant program was funded in partnership with the Commonwealth Government. 

Eight services will receive the funding boost for programs including:

• The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter – conversion of the garage at the shelter to an office and small meeting room
• Community Restorative Centre – additional support worker to meet increased demand for the Miranda Project
• Blue Mountains Women’s Health and Resource Centre – employ DFV specialist counsellor to respond to increased service demand
• BaptistCare Hope Street Women’s Services – Safer in Sydney project is a special support package targeted at women on temporary visas experiencing DFV
• Settlement Services International – expansion of the Building Stronger Families: 16 week Men’s Behaviour Change Program in partnership with Relationships Australia
• Immigrant Women’s Speakout Association – shelter, food, transportation and communication resources to assist clients
• Australian Red Cross Society – ‘Empowerment to Respond’ project will provide safe and welcoming spaces for socially isolated women impacted by forced marriage in Western Sydney
• Great Lakes Agency for Peace and Development International – expand DFV services provided to African communities in Western Sydney due to increased demand

“Sadly, domestic violence continues across our communities, and our frontline workers are facing increased demand and pressures due to the pandemic,” Stuart Ayres said.  

“This funding will protect the women and children of Penrith as we work together to eradicate family violence from our communities.”

“Huge thanks to our dedicated frontline workers for everything they do to support some of the most vulnerable members of Penrith.”

Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said nearly 100 service providers from across the state have been awarded a share in more than $12 million to support more victim-survivors.

The announcement also marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international awareness campaign that begins on 25 November –  the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – and runs until World Human Rights Day on 10 December.

These grants follow the $21 million investment in frontline domestic violence support services jointly funded by the Federal and NSW Governments in May.

For confidential advice, support and referrals related to domestic and family violence, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491).

Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay