The only long-term transitional housing service for women and children affected by domestic violence in the Sydney Hills area will close in July due to lack of funding.
Since opening in 2014, The Lisa Harnum Foundation has supported women and children experiencing domestic abuse through the provision of transitional housing. Approximately 30 women and their children have used the housing during that time, typically for periods of up to 6 months.
Executive Director Aileen Mountifield said the closure follows difficulty in securing funding from local, state and federal governments.
"It was a hard decision for the Board to make after giving so many families respite," she said.
"Without this type of accommodation, many women and children will either be homeless or remain with the perpetrator, which is unacceptable."
The Foundation relies on donations to fund its services. But despite community support, Ms Mountifield said operating in a private rental market was no longer possible unless additional funding or donations could be secured.
According to the Bureau of Crime Statistics the number of domestic violence related murders in NSW has doubled over the past year.
Records indicate that 38 people were killed by those with whom they had a domestic relationship in the 12 months to March 2019, up from 19 in the previous year.
The Lisa Harnum Foundation is a registered charity with tax deductible status.
