Support for families experiencing domestic violence has received a welcome boost, according to Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
The much-needed $3 million funding under the Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program (CTAP) will support Quantum Support Services in providing new accommodation for women and children experiencing family violence.
“Gippsland continues to experience an increasing rate of family violence and we need to do more to support victims and prevent crime in the first place,” Mr Chester said.
“Data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows an increase in family violence incidents across all Gippsland local government areas (LGAs) for the year ending September 2024.
“Family violence incidents rose by 30.9% in East Gippsland, 20.2% in Latrobe and 7.9% in the Wellington Shire, with East Gippsland and Latrobe recording the first and second highest rate of family violence in the state.
“This $3 million funding announcement will see Quantum Support Services purchase four dwellings to deliver new critical crisis and transitional housing for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence, supporting some of the most vulnerable within the Gippsland community and contributing to much-needed housing solutions across Latrobe City.”
While housing is fundamental to breaking the cycle of violence, Mr Chester has challenged Gippslanders to do more to put an end to this violent epidemic.
“We all need to do more to end the violence against women and children in our community,” Mr Chester said.
“I have spoken many times in Parliament about the need to eliminate violence in our community, and I’m passionate about assisting in whatever way possible.
“Preventing violence against women should be above party politics, and I support efforts from all levels of government to work in partnership with our communities to keep women safe.
“It remains our enduring challenge to achieve equality and ensure all women can feel safe and secure as they go about their public lives and in their own homes.
“As men, we need to demonstrate our respect for the women in our lives on a daily basis and accept responsibility for the changes that need to occur.”
Mr Chester has also thanked men and women who are already working to improve the situation in Gippsland and urged them to keep working together to fight the problem.
“I want to live in a community where girls and women are safe, and they are treated with respect in their homes and in public,” Mr Chester said.
“I support a shared vision where all Gippslanders are safe, thriving, and living free of family violence.”
