More than 100 organisations are jointly calling for the Federal Government to “make good on its commitment to address domestic violence” by fully funding services in Tuesday’s Federal Budget.
There are concerns that the government’s new family violence prevention campaign, including a confronting television advert that went to air last month, could prompt more victims to seek help, only to be turned away.
Domestic Violence Victoria chief executive Fiona McCormack said women were at “increased risk of violence and other retaliation” at the time when they reached out for help to escape an abusive relationship, making frontline services critical.
Renee Carr, executive director of Fair Agenda, said while it was great to see the government investing in awareness raising, “to do so without funding the services women need now is dangerous”.
“The more we raise awareness of family violence, the more women reach out to services for help,” said Rosslyn Monro, chairwoman of the National Association of Australia Community Legal Centres.
“But services are not sufficiently funded to keep up with current levels of demand, let alone increased demand ... We’re being forced to turn away thousands of women relying on our service.”
Read the full story here.
There are concerns that the government’s new family violence prevention campaign, including a confronting television advert that went to air last month, could prompt more victims to seek help, only to be turned away.
Domestic Violence Victoria chief executive Fiona McCormack said women were at “increased risk of violence and other retaliation” at the time when they reached out for help to escape an abusive relationship, making frontline services critical.
Renee Carr, executive director of Fair Agenda, said while it was great to see the government investing in awareness raising, “to do so without funding the services women need now is dangerous”.
“The more we raise awareness of family violence, the more women reach out to services for help,” said Rosslyn Monro, chairwoman of the National Association of Australia Community Legal Centres.
“But services are not sufficiently funded to keep up with current levels of demand, let alone increased demand ... We’re being forced to turn away thousands of women relying on our service.”
Read the full story here.
