MIA women who have felt the scourge of domestic violence have been given a shining light of hope.
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A NSW government domestic violence program which supports women leaving violent relationships to stay in their home while the perpetrator is removed has been expanded to five new sites across regional NSW.
One of these sites is Griffith, with the city equipped to help women from across the wider MIA region.
Member for Murray Austin Evans said the initiative was an important one.
“We know domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness and this expansion will help even more people leaving abusive relationships in our local community start a new life that is free from violence yet still connected to their own support network,” Mr Evans said.
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“Staying Home Leaving Violence enables victims of domestic violence to re-build their lives in their own home and remain in their community while the perpetrator is removed.”
Griffith’s Linking Communities Network Ltd chief executive officer Yvonne Wilson also threw her support behind the idea.
She said the expansion of the program to the MIA would help many who had experienced or were experiencing domestic violence.
“If a women has experienced domestic violence … it is a terrifying experience,” Ms Wilson said.
“Imagine having to go through that and then decide you need to leave your home to be safe.
“It’s not fair on her or the children if there are children involved.
“Allowing them to stay in their own homes while the perpetrator is removed is good news.”
Funding as part of the program hasn’t yet been allocated to a specific group to help in implementing it, but Ms Wilson said it would help in more ways than one.
“As well as removing the offender, the program can help with things like putting more locks on doors, bars on windows, making doors sturdier – that kind of thing,” she said.
“It’s all about keeping women and their children safe.
“That’s the most important thing.”
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