WA boosts refuge funding to aid domestic violence victims

WA women’s refuges will benefit from a doubling of the State Government’s contribution to service providers, as part of a funding influx to be announced by Roger Cook on Monday. The $18.7 million boost to WA’s 45 refuges — half of which are based in regional areas — comes in the middle of the 16 Days in WA campaign against family and domestic violence. Mr Cook, who will announce the funding at a breakfast on Monday, said every front-line facility would benefit from the additional money. It brings the State Government’s total investment for the financial year to more than $48 million, and comes as work is underway to triple the size of the Stirling Women’s Refuge, and expand the Goldfields and Karratha women’s refuges. There are also moved to establish refuges in Katanning and Leonora. “Refuges are on the front line of our response to family and domestic violence, providing a crucial safe space to those leaving dangerous perpetrators,” Mr Cook said. “Today’s announcement means every refuge in the State will receive more funding, so they can continue their vital work supporting victim-survivors to break the cycle of violence.” Since 2017, there have been 73 new refuge units added across the State, with another 77 planned for. “I’m proud to lead a Government which has increased the number of refuge units across the State by more than 30 per cent since 2017,” Mr Cook said. “Investing in refuges and safe spaces is just one element of my Government’s commitment to preventing family and domestic violence. “From significant law reforms, to investments in primary prevention programs and expanded recovery services, my Government is playing its part when it comes to addressing this evil and unacceptable scourge on our community.” Calls for funding increases to refuges ahead of this year’s State Budget were dismissed, with the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing chief executive Alison Evans expressing disappointment on budget day. “In the 2023-24 State Budget our critical refuge and safe houses received an $18 million uplift. This fell woefully short of what is required to ensure that adult and child victim survivors get the support they need when they need it,” she said in May. “We had hoped to see this severe underspend rectified in the 2024-2025 Budget announcement, but this is not the case.” Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton said the Government was committed to keeping victim-survivors safe. “Having visited many refuges across our State, I know that our frontline family and domestic violence workers do an incredible job in supporting victim-survivors each and every day, including those with complex needs,” she said. “This funding will enable refuges to provide services such as case management and intensive supports to assist women and children to rebuild their lives.”