Home safety initiative helps victims
The National Home Safety Service(external link) has benefitted more than 750 victims of serious family violence in the 12 months since the service was rolled out nationwide.
The service assists victims of family violence to remain in their home by reducing the risk of violence through practical measures like installing security lights, replacing locks and repairing broken windows. It also connects people with other support agencies that may be able to assist them.
In the last year 237 homes have been made safer benefitting 237 adult victims and 517 children.
Building on a pilot programme that had been running in three centres, the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges began to extend the service in July last year as part of a three-year $3.6 million government contract.
Now that the programme is fully up and running a further 2000 victims of family violence can expect to receive practical help to stay in their homes.
The service is one initiative aimed at reducing family violence and keeping victims safe as part of the cross-agency work programme overseen by the Ministerial Group on Family Violence and Sexual Violence.