Taree Women's Refuge and Great Lakes Women's Shelter will be better placed to assist women escaping domestic violence after it was announced they would share in close to $200,000 in government funding.
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The funding will be provided through the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Grant program, which is funded by the Federal Government and allocated by the NSW Government.
Federal member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the funding would help provide women and children across the Manning-Great Lakes with greater access to frontline domestic violence services.
"Sadly, we know that home is not safe for many women and children," Dr Gillespie said.
"This funding will provide access to specialist family and domestic violence services to help create real and lasting change in their lives."
Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the funding would help address the shocking rates of domestic violence in the community and the increased demand frontline workers were facing due to the pandemic.
"This funding will protect the women and children of Myall Lakes as we work together to eradicate family violence from our communities," Mr Bromhead said.
"Huge thanks to our dedicated frontline workers for everything they do to support some of the most vulnerable members of Myall Lakes."
When women make the decision to leave it is vital that they have somewhere safe to go and the support to guide them through.
- Julie Brady
Taree Women's Refuge will use its share of the funding to expand the capacity of the Taree Specialists Homelessness Service and employ a specialist Aboriginal caseworker.
Great Lakes Women's Shelter will use the funding to expand its domestic violence case management services.
President of the organisation, Julie Brady, said the funding would help provide increased support and guidance to women and their children, which in turn would lead to greater stability in their lives.
"When women make the decision to leave it is vital that they have somewhere safe to go and the support to guide them through," Ms Brady said.
"Great Lakes Women's Shelter will be there to assist, providing support and enhancing life skills and the opportunity for a new start in life."
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The shelter recently received $1.39 million under the Federal Government's Safe Places initiative and $605,000 from the NSW State Government's Regional Growth Fund for new and expanded emergency accommodation.
The Australian Government is investing $340 million in the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
For confidential advice, support and referrals related to domestic and family violence, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463, or the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
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