WOMEN fleeing domestic and family violence will be able to access $1500 for emergency spending – just one of the initiatives outlined in the Federal budget to improve women’s safety and security.
The Federal Government has published an 81-page women’s budget statement that includes a $1.1 billion package to combat domestic violence.
The statement repeats the chilling abuse rates that are now etched in the community psyche – one woman is killed every nine days by their partner, and one in four women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a current or previous intimate partner since the age of 15.
“Everyone has the right to be safe at home, at work and online,” the budget document said.
As well as emergency funding, women escaping domestic violence will be eligible to receive a further $3500 to pay rental bonds, school fees or buy furniture and white goods.
“This funding will provide immediate support for victims of domestic violence. Our plan will help victims who escape dangerous situations,” the budget document said.
“It will also assist women to access appropriate and timely specialist services, including effective legal support.”
In particular, $57.6 million will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women trying to break the cycle of domestic and family violence.
A target has been set to end abuse and violence against indigenous women and children by at least 50 per cent by 2031.
Another $9.3m will help prevent violence against women and girls with a disability.
And $10.3m will be spent assisting refugees on temporary visas continue to be able to access up to $3000 to cover basic living expenses including food, accommodation and transport costs.
Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent to aid victims navigating the legal system.
This includes $85m to expand family law frontline services so that each family law court with a permanent judge has access to Family Advocacy and Support Services.
An additional $60.8m will be spent on directly funding reform of the family law courts, to significantly shorten the time separating families spend in litigation.
In addition the government is contributing $261m to set up a new agreement with the states and territories for frontline family, domestic and sexual violence support services.
Investing to prevent violent attitudes developing in young people is also a government priority.
The women’s budget statement said that while “attitudes towards violence against women are improving, some attitudes remain concerning”.
Research cited in the statement suggests one in five Australians believe that many actions that constitute domestic violence are normal reactions to day-to-day stress and frustration.
The government will invest $35.1m to expand national primary prevention campaigns.
It also aims to better inform young Australians about consent and respectful relationships.
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge has spoken out strongly against domestic violence, signed up to wider community programs, and introduced special leave if needed for the archdiocese’s thousands of employees across its parishes and agencies.
