The Patricia Giles Women's Refuge in Joondalup will receive an increase in funding

12/11/96

The Patricia Giles Women's Refuge in Joondalup will receive an increase in funding, Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes and Federal Family Services Minister Judi Moylan announced today.

Mrs Edwardes said funding for the service would increase from $204,812 to $217,972 a year until June 30, 1998 in recognition of the vital service it provides to local communities.

The Patricia Giles Women's Refuge provided crisis accommodation and support for up to six women at a time, with children, who were escaping domestic violence.

The service was funded through the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP), a joint State and Commonwealth Government program which provided more than 100 accommodation and support services for homeless people throughout Western Australia.

Mrs Edwardes said that providing and maintaining services to help victims of domestic violence was a priority.

"It is vital that women and children fleeing domestic violence have access to safe accommodation and services which support them in a crisis," she said.

"It is also important to help them after the crisis to re-establish their lives and care for their children.

"The service will help women who are affected by domestic violence learn to assess their situation and make informed choices and decisions about the future," Mrs Edwardes said.

Mrs Moylan said the refuge provided a valuable service for women in the Joondalup area.

"It is important that women and children in a violent family situation are able to develop skills and knowledge which will help them break the cycle of domestic violence," she said.

"The increase in funding demonstrates the Commonwealth and State Governments' commitment to strengthening families and providing support for victims of domestic violence in Western Australia.'"

Media contacts: Diana Russell Coote (Minister Edwardes' Office) (09) 421 7777

Martine Haley (Minister Moylan's Office) (06) 277 7240