The Territory Labor Government is providing more support for the survivors of domestic and family violence with opening of a new crisis accommodation centre in Palmerston.
The Salvation Army-run centre will provide accommodation for more than 40 women and 70 children a year.
The Territory Labor Government has committed $852,000 in funding from August 2022 and a further $5.9 million over the next 4 years to provide critical support for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.
The redevelopment of an existing site cost almost $8.5 million which includes $5,659,691 from a Commonwealth Government grant through the Safe Places Program.
The centre has eight, two-bedroom units which can accommodate a small family and two one-bedroom units designed for a single woman with a small baby.
Each home is serviced with a kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom facilities. The windows have security screens and promote natural ventilation while the administration building is designed to be a gentle, welcoming space that supports our staff and women and children.
The facility will help women and children to re-establish their independence, undergo trauma recovery and have access to training, parenting and employment opportunities, as well as provide a learning and supportive environment for their children.
The facility will offer both semi-independent crisis and longer term transitional accommodation for women and children fleeing violence.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Kate Worden:
"Domestic violence is affecting too many women and children - it's not good enough, and it will not be tolerated.
"We acknowledge and understand that fleeing a family home because of domestic and family violence can lead to homelessness and housing vulnerability.
"This is why we have provided operational funding for this new crisis accommodation centre which provides a home and a safe place for survivors to move forward.
Quotes attributable to the Member for Solomon Luke Gosling:
"The Northern Territory receives significant investment of more than $147 million from the Federal Government to address family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) in recognition of the unique needs of the Territory.
"Supporting crisis accommodation and safe places like the Salvos Family Violence Refuge is crucial to helping women and children leave violence, be safe and heal - this investment will save lives.
"Women continue to be at the forefront of conversations around ending FDSV. This must change. Men must also lead these conversations, lead the advocacy work and be working practically on the ground to affect change.
"FDSV causes a lot of harm and is holding our society back. Effectively addressing this violence will build a safer, more cohesive, and happier community and at the end of the day that's what all Territorians want."
Quotes attributable to the Salvation Army's National General Manager for Family and Domestic Violence Services Lorrinda Hamilton:
"The centre will provide specialist family violence services and therapeutic, functional, independent and culturally sensitive accommodation to address the increased demand for family violence refuge in the area," Ms Hamilton said.
"We are deeply grateful to the Federal and State Governments who have supported this critical response."
Northern Territory Government
