ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR VICTIM-SURVIVORS IN THE OUTER WEST

The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to deliver on its ongoing commitment to increase support for victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence with new frontline workers for outer western Sydney including the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Blue Mountains region.

Victim-survivors in the outer west are now benefitting from an additional 8 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers employed across a number of different services to meet increasing demand, with one more worker to come online shortly.

Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, said additional frontline workers are crucial for victim-survivors in peri-urban areas to be able to access the support they need, when they need it.

“These additional workers will increase the availability of specialised, trauma-informed support to victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.

“The services provided by these workers are essential to helping victim-survivors take critical that first step towards recovery and healing.”

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, said how important it was to have these workers on the ground.

“We identified the need for these workers prior to the last election and I’m pleased that they are being placed with our local services including the Women’s Cottage, Platform Youth, The Haven, DV West and Penrith Women’s Health Centre.”

Through the National Partnership on Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-27, the Albanese Labor Government is providing over $48 million over 4 years to 2025-26 for 148.4 full time equivalent (FTE) frontline support workers across NSW.

The National Partnership aligns with actions under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032, supporting state and territory governments to deliver critical frontline services to Australians experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence.

The Albanese Labor Government has invested $4.0 billion to support women’s safety under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.

More information on the National Partnership on Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-27 is available on the Federal Financial Relations website.

More information on national progress of the 500 Workers initiative is available on the Department of Social Services website.

More information on National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family, domestic, or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au