The fight against domestic violence has gained momentum, with the Coalition committing to push for education on prevention, early intervention, and increased funding for emergency services and safe houses.
Promising a Comprehensive Approach
- Education and early intervention
- Increased funding for emergency services and safe houses
- Support for regional areas
The Nationals boss, David Littleproud, made the announcement in Bathurst, declaring that “there is work to be done” to end the growing scourge of domestic violence on communities across the Central West.
More Education and Early Intervention
“The government recognizes that domestic violence is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach,” said Mr. Littleproud. “We need to have more education around the signs and symptoms of domestic violence, and we need to work with schools to implement programs that teach young people about healthy relationships.”
“We’ve said that we would like to see a lot more work done around early intervention and education of young men,” he stated. “We’ve done a lot around the emergency side, and there’s still a lot more to do, particularly in regional areas where there aren’t safe houses for women to escape to.”
Funding for Emergency Services and Safe Houses
The Coalition has also pledged to increase funding for emergency services and safe houses.
| Funding Allocation | Details |
|---|---|
| $90 million | Pledged by the leader of the opposition, Peter Dutton, for a domestic violence strategy in the event of a Coalition government |
This $90m will go towards DV prevention, early intervention, and crisis response. It’s funding that is desperately needed.
Support for Regional Areas
The Coalition has committed to extending funding to regional areas to build refuges and shelters for women and children.
- Regional areas with limited access to safe houses
- Building new refuges and shelters
- Supporting local communities in the fight against domestic violence
“There is work to be done, and I think it starts at home,” said Mr. Littleproud. “It’s not just the government’s responsibility, it’s everyone’s responsibility, even me as a father.”
Education as a Key Component
Mr. Littleproud emphasized the importance of education in the fight against domestic violence.
“Having those conversations with my boys about what’s not acceptable; that starts with language, so I think it’s important that we understand that we’re all in this together,” he said.
“You can’t expect the government to do everything for you; we all have to do that, and that includes me as a father as well,” he added.
The Statistics Speak for Themselves
The statistics on domestic violence in Australia are alarming.
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men experience violence by an intimate partner or family member since the age of 15 years.
- 617.3 assaults per 100,000 people in regional NSW in the January 2024 to December 2024 period.
- 694.4 assaults per 100,000 people in the Central West region during the same period.
- 1597.1 assaults per 100,000 people in the Orana and Far West region during the same period.
The rate of reported domestic violence assaults in regional NSW is a stark reminder of the need for increased funding and support for victims.
A Call to Action
The fight against domestic violence requires a comprehensive approach that involves government, communities, and individuals working together to create a safer and more supportive environment for all.
“We all have a role to play in preventing domestic violence,” said Mr. Littleproud.
