The Shoalhaven is a community trying to confront its domestic violence demons with a new disclosure program and $1.8 million funding package key elements in the struggle.
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The Shoalhaven, earlier this year, was included in an Australian-first trial that allows people fearing for their safety to find out if their current or former partner has a history of violence.
Last week around 58 service providers from government and non-government agencies got the chance last week to learn about the program.
Meanwhile, Member for Kiama Gareth Ward and Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock jointly announced that women and children escaping domestic violence in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven will be supported with extra crisis accommodation and 24/7 support under a $1.8 million funding package.
Coordinator of the Nowra Domestic Violence Intervention Services run by YWCA NSW, Sue Davies, said it was important the service providers learnt about the program because they and any other third party can make use of the disclosure program.
“That could be a mum, a grandma your Docs worker, your employment agency worker or anyone who case works with that client,” she said
“Anyone as a third party can came in fill out an application form because they may be concerned.
“Perhaps you were seeing me with bruises and you, as my mum, have some concerns but I am going ‘no mum everything is fine it’s a lovely relationship and everything is fine so stop worrying’.
“However, you are still thinking that something is not right and you can walk into the police station, fill out an application from and police do a check on the criminal history.”
The NSW Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme was launched in April by Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Pru Goward and the scheme will be piloted in four NSW Police local area commands (LACs) – Sutherland, St George, Shoalhaven and Oxley.
Mr Ward and Mrs Hancock are both determined to help support domestic violence services.
Mr Ward said that local service providers, with the $1.8 million funding package, would establish new after-hours intakes, and provide additional support and housing to help women and children escape dangerous situations in the home.
Mrs Hancock added the services would be delivered by Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra and Southern Cross Community Housing during the next two years.
“This is wonderful news and comes on top of the $10 million the NSW Government is spending this year on homelessness services in our region,” she said.
The funding is part of a $20 million package announced late last year by the Minister for Family and Community Services Brad Hazzard and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Pru Goward.
For information and support call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
For information and referral to crisis accommodation and support, please call Link2home on 1800 152 152.
