Building more Safe Places in Bendigo for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence

The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to ending violence against women and children with the funding of another Safe Places Emergency Accommodation project in Bendigo.

The Safe Places program funds the renovation, building or purchase of new crisis or emergency accommodation to support women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

Loddon Mallee will receive Commonwealth funding of $2.5 million to provide 18 new Safe Places for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

The Government is investing $172.6 million through the Safe Places program, which includes $100 million over five years from 2022-23 through the Safe Places Inclusion Round.

This $100 million investment will increase the number of new and appropriate emergency accommodation places for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence across Australia, with a focus on improving access for First Nations women and children, women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and women and children with disability.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth and Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters will today visit a new Safe Place in Bendigo which is providing assistance to victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.

"We know that if a woman knows she has a safe place to go and take her children, she is more likely to take the steps to leave a violent relationship," Minister Rishworth said.

"Our Government remains determined to end family and domestic violence against women and children and understands the important role that the Safe Places program plays in addressing this issue.

"The new Safe Places in Bendigo will mean a new beginning for many women and children experiencing family and domestic violence, allowing them to build a future free from violence."

Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters welcomed the vital funding.

"Family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness and housing insecurity for women and children across Australia," Ms Chesters said.

"It is vitally important that women and children experiencing family and domestic violence know there are both people and places they can turn to for support in times of crisis.

"The Safe Places project in Bendigo will provide women and children experiencing family and domestic violence access to necessary expert support whilst also offering much needed comfort and refuge from unsafe situations."

The Safe Places program is part of the Albanese Labor Government's $3.4 billion of investments into women's safety.

Under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 and the subsequent Action Plans the Commonwealth has 85 initiatives with funding attached to help progress the shared goal with states and territories to end violence against women and children in one generation.

More information on the Safe Places program is available on the Department of Social Services website.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.

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.

Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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