Tweed to build 26 safe places for DV victims

WOMEN and children fleeing family violence will soon have more refuge options with the building of 26 Safe Places in Tweed. Federal MP for Richmond Justine Elliot has announced the local boost under the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation (Safe Places) project.

The Tweed project is one of 19 new projects funded, which will deliver 720 new spaces across Australia over the next three years.

Safe Places sites currently support around 6000 women and children around the country.

The program provides a capital investment to fund the building, renovation or purchase of emergency accommodation, and the Safe Places Inclusion Round supports the Government’s program of reform under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

Ms Elliot said that family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness and housing uncertainty for women and children.

“Having a safe place to go and receive support is vital for women and children leaving family and domestic violence, Ms Elliot said.

“Once construction is complete, the 26 Tweed Safe Places will assist more than 100 women and children annually. This will provide women and children experiencing family and domestic violence access to necessary expert support and offer much-needed comfort and refuge.”

Ms Eliot said the Federal Government was committed to delivering more emergency accommodation in the region.

The Albanese Government has committed a total of $3.4 billion to women’s safety and $32 billion to new housing initiatives.

For information on Safe Places visit dss.gov.au/housing-support/programmes-services/homelessness/domestic-and-family-violence

If you or someone you know is at risk, call 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au