Premier Mark McGowan today announced $4 million in Lotterywest grants to Ruah Community Services to support the construction of a Women's and Children's Wellness and Recovery Centre.
The Lotterywest funding, provided across two grants, will go towards the development of the multi-storey Centre providing safe spaces for women and children escaping family and domestic violence.
The Centre aims to provide services and facilities for women and children who are otherwise unable to access wellness and recovery support. The Centre will be trauma informed and a culturally responsive healing place for short-term accommodation with wraparound support services.
The wraparound support services, specifically designed for women and children, will include clinical consultations, health check-ups and access to case management.
Women and children attending the Centre will also have access to nearby schools, emergency services, childcare, legal services and health care facilities.
As the only State Government owned and operated lottery in Australia where all the profits are returned to the community, Lotterywest is committed to building a better, healthier Western Australia.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The new centre will be an important space to support and empower women and children escaping the trauma of family domestic violence.
"The State Government, through Lotterywest, is proud to work with Ruah and continue to support people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and mental health issues.
"We are committed to ensuring women and children in WA have access to every opportunity to live a safe and secure life.
"The 2021-22 State Budget includes an additional $45.5 million for a range of family and domestic violence prevention and support measures, building on our work to protect vulnerable Western Australians experiencing or at risk of violence."
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk:
"A range of responses is required to address high rates of family and domestic violence in the community, and supports for vulnerable women and children escaping violence are crucial to these efforts.
"By taking a holistic and long-term approach, the Women and Children's Wellness and Recovery Centre will go a long way to helping Western Australian women who have experienced trauma and abuse to rebuild their lives and get their health and well-being back on track.
"The McGowan Government continues to focus on stopping family and domestic violence and breaking the cycle of abuse in our homes and communities.
"Our significant commitment to family and domestic violence measures in the 2021-22 State Budget brings our total additional investment in protecting and supporting women, children and families at risk of violence to more than $120 million."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Women's Domestic Violence Helpline - 1800 007 339
Men's Domestic Violence Helpline - 1800 000 599
1800 RESPECT is a national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
