The Morrison government is providing $32.5 million to states and territories to immediately bolster frontline services to protect those most at risk from domestic violence due to living changes enforced by the coronavirus crisis.
This priority funding, drawn from the government's recently announced $150 million domestic violence package, was agreed at an inaugural Council of Australian Government's Women's Safety Council this week.
Chaired by federal Minister for Women Marise Payne and Social Services Minister Anne Ruston, the meeting agreed it should be directed to safer housing and emergency accommodation, counselling and outreach, crisis support and helplines.
It is also aimed at men's behavioural change programs and other perpetrator interventions..
Senator Payne said another key priority area was assisting frontline services to explore new technology-based support methods,
"Given these unprecedented circumstances we know there will be need for many frontline services to transition to online or telephone-based services," she said in a statement on Saturday.
"These changes need to be carefully managed to ensure that services can best manage the safety and privacy of women seeking support."
Senator Ruston said there is a need to ensure homes can be made safe as possible given the direction to stay home to control the spread of COVID-19.
"But we are also acutely aware that there will be significant need for emergency accommodation that is innovative and flexible, particular in light of health requirements or quarantine and self-isolation that may prevent women and children being able to stay with friends and family," she said.
The federal government will continue to work with states and territories to monitor the impact of the virus pandemic and allocate funding from the $150 million response package over the next six months to where it is most needed.
Of that, $20 million has already been allocated to Commonwealth funded initiatives, including 1800RESPECT, Mensline and a new national information campaign with information on where Australians experiencing violence can access support.
Australian Associated Press
