11/8/03
The Newman Women's Shelter is a vital community service in the fight against family violence, according to Community Development Minister Sheila McHale.
Ms McHale said since the new purpose-built premises opened in December last year, the shelter had helped up to 200 women and children escaping from family violence.
"The shelter provides crisis help for women and children fleeing violent family situations as well as ongoing support to plan for a safer and brighter future," the Minister said.
The centre was officially opened today.
Ms McHale said Newman experienced unusually high levels of family violence.
"In the first half of this year, police were called to 138 domestic violence-related incidents," she said.
"Worryingly, 60 of these involved acts of violence with a weapon and/or physical violence."
The Minister said the Newman Women's Shelter was an important step forward for the region.
"The new premises mean that women and children experiencing family violence can take refuge, safe in the knowledge they are protected by a comprehensive security system," she said.
"This is crucial for women's physical safety, emotional security and peace of mind."
Ms McHale said the shelter was purpose-built for community needs, and could accommodate up to 15 women and their children at a time.
"It also has a specially equipped room to cater for people with disabilities," she said.
The Minister said women who had fled family violence faced many practical and emotional issues.
These included:
- urgent and ongoing health problems as a result of violence;
- pressing money needs;
- emotional worries including fear of reprisals and concern for the future;
- children's needs and well-being; and
- uncertainty about future housing.
"Shelter workers provide women with counselling, short-term financial assistance, transport and assistance to relocate to a new home," Ms McHale said.
The Gallop Government is providing funding of $372,000 per year to Newman Women's Shelter Inc to run the shelter.
"In addition, $25,000 funding per year is provided through the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) for services to children and women at the shelter," the Minister said.
"This extra funding means that mothers and children using the shelter can access important supports for day-to-day life, including childminding and help to continue schooling."
Ms McHale said the State Government's commitment to building safer communities meant taking a firm stance on family violence.
"The Government is committed to stamping out family violence in all its forms - physical, sexual, emotional and financial," she said.
"This includes creating the State's first action plan on family and domestic violence.
"Drawing on extensive community input, the plan seeks to build on the important foundations local communities and services have laid in preventing and reducing family violence, and increasing safety and life opportunities for victims."
Minister's office: 9213 6900
