The Safe Places program funds the renovation, building or purchase of new crisis or emergency accommodation to support women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

Loddon Mallee will receive Commonwealth funding of $2.5 million to provide 18 new Safe Places for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

The Government is investing $172.6 million through the Safe Places program, which includes $100 million over five years from 2022-23 through the Safe Places Inclusion Round.

This $100 million investment will increase the number of new and appropriate emergency accommodation places for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence across Australia, with a focus on improving access for First Nations women and children, women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and women and children with disability.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP:

“Family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness and housing insecurity for women and children across Australia.

“It is vitally important that women and children experiencing family and domestic violence know there are both people and places they can turn to for support in times of crisis.

“The Safe Places project in Bendigo will provide women and children experiencing family and domestic violence access to necessary expert support whilst also offering much needed comfort and refuge from unsafe situations.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, AMANDA RISHWORTH MP:
“We know that if a woman has a safe place to go and take her children, she is more likely to take the steps to leave a violent relationship.

“Our Government remains determined to end family and domestic violence against women
and children and understands the important role that the Safe Places program plays in
addressing this issue.

“The new Safe Places in Bendigo will mean a new beginning for many women and children
experiencing family and domestic violence, allowing them to build a future free from
violence.”