The Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, with construction beginning on a new refuge in Hornsby.
The government is investing $5 million in the new crisis accommodation that is being developed by Link Wentworth.
The refuge will comprise four self-contained units and a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education and employment support.
Specialist domestic and family violence support services will be provided onsite by Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Women’s Shelter, a member of the Women’s Community Shelters Network.
Each unit will have its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, as well as private outdoor space and an area for pets, helping residents maintain independence and a sense of home while they access support.
At least one unit will be wheelchair accessible, and the shared areas will be designed to accommodate residents with restricted mobility.
The ‘core’ will include an office area and two consulting rooms that can be combined into a larger conference room, along with a shared lounge, dining and kitchen facilities.
There will also be communal indoor and outdoor play spaces for children, giving families dedicated areas to spend time together.
This investment is part of the NSW Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program to expand crisis accommodation and provide on-site specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.
Once all 49 new refuges are complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.
The program is part of the wider work by the NSW Government to provide safe housing for those escaping domestic and family violence, including an historic $6.6 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half of the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors, and an additional $130 million for new crisis beds.
The Minns Labor Government continues to strengthen support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. In our June Budget, we provided a landmark $184.1 million to increase funding for six core domestic and family violence specialist programs by 50 per cent, so that victim-survivors can receive timely, life-saving support.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“Too many women and children fleeing domestic and family violence are also facing housing insecurity at one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“A safe home can provide the stability people need to recover, rebuild and plan for the future, which is why we’re investing in more crisis accommodation right across New South Wales.
“This new refuge in Hornsby will provide safe, self-contained accommodation alongside specialist support, helping more women and children take the first steps towards a brighter future.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“Women and children escaping domestic and family violence need to know there is somewhere safe to go to when they leave.
“This new refuge in Hornsby will provide victim-survivors with not only a place to stay, but also access to critical support services so that they can recover and rebuild their lives.
“It takes a lot of courage to leave violence and we know that this crisis accommodation will make a real difference to women and children.”
CEO of Link Wentworth Andrew McAnulty said:
“Every woman and child deserves the chance to live free from violence and fear.
“This refuge is part of Link Wentworth’s long-standing commitment to investing in safe, secure housing and support for women experiencing family and domestic violence.
“Link Wentworth, through our partnership with the NSW Government and Women’s Community Shelters, are creating more than accommodation – we are creating opportunities for women and children to heal, regain stability and rebuild their lives.”
Interim CEO of Women’s Community Shelters Sue Cripps said:
“Too often, women escaping violence with their children face an impossible choice between staying in an unsafe home or having nowhere safe to go.
“Today’s sod turn marks the beginning of an important new chapter for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter and means more families in Sydney’s north won’t have to make that choice.
“For the first time, the service will welcome women with children, giving more families access to safe accommodation and support as they rebuild their lives free from abuse.
“Women’s Community Shelters is proud to stand alongside Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter as it expands access to safe accommodation and support for local women and children who need it most.”
Support:
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, call the Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.