EARLY in the COVID-19 pandemic, Australian healthcare and women’s safety professionals predicted an “impending increase” in domestic violence.

A research team from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Centre for Justice conducted a nationwide survey on the impact of COVID-19 on the Domestic and Family Violence workforce and those seeking/needing shelter.

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One of the outcomes of the report was a call for increased funding for social and affordable housing.

Just announced, the NSW Government will invest $426.6 million to deliver and operate 75 extra women’s refuges using the Core and Cluster model, a much more realistic and workable design than everyone living in a one-building home with shared facilities.

These complexes provide a cluster of housing units built around a core where residents can access supports such as counselling and legal support, with amenities like communal kitchens and playgrounds.

$52.5 million will fund an additional 200 sustainable and affordable housing units under the Community Housing Innovation Fund, a partnership between the NSW Government and the community housing sector.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the $484.3 million funding boost over four years is the single biggest investment in tackling domestic and family violence in NSW history.

“Secure and stable accommodation is one of the biggest challenges a woman and her children can face when trying to safely leave a violent relationship,” said Mr Singh.

“In fact, domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women and children, with almost 40 percent of the people who accessed specialist homelessness services in NSW in 2019-20 having experienced domestic abuse.”

Charlotte Young, CEO of Warrina Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services, told News Of The Area, “While Warrina women and children’s refuge is excited to hear about the funding to build purpose built Core and Cluster refuges, we know we will not be considered.

“This funding is for new sites.

“A purpose-built refuge is what we need in Coffs Harbour; ours is one of the few refuges that are actually homes that have been modified.

“As a result, residents share the kitchen and bathrooms.

“What we have learned from the pandemic is that this is not manageable in terms of ensuring everyone’s health and wellbeing.

“We have reduced numbers into the refuge to ensure social distancing of residents and to mitigate risk of infection.

“The government proposal is to build independent units which in my experience is the way forward in terms of supporting women and children living with domestic and family violence.”

To see the full QUT Centre for Justice report visit see the results at https://research.qut.edu.au/centre-for-justice/ Kerry Carrington.

By Andrea FERRARI