State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said his office had again been confronted by the human face of a domestic violence epidemic, a woman and her child who turned there as a last resort.
“In my electorate there isn’t anywhere; no purpose-built, secure facility and no ongoing accommodation support, for these women to use,” Mr Walsh said.
“We are seeing women with children being shunted from motel room to motel room, or sent a long way from their home town, to find short-term respite.
“That some of these women feel they have no alternative but to go back to their abusers so they can at least put a roof over the heads of their children, and feed them, is a crime for which the system must be held responsible.”
Mr Walsh said social housing must be a priority on any government’s agenda, both for victims of domestic violence and for people who, often through no fault of their own, find themselves homeless.
He said he knew in his electorate there were people living rough, and as the chill winter weather was starting to be felt, the lives of those who had slipped through the cracks in the system was about to get a lot worse.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said it was delivering 18 new dwellings in the Campaspe region through the Building New Homes to Fight Homelessness program — with four already under construction.
“We also fund a range of support services in the Loddon area to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness — including family violence housing support, crisis and transitional housing, and the Private Rental Assistance Program,” the spokesperson said.
“The Orange Door in Loddon helps people get the information and support they need — including access to safe accommodation.
“Flexible Support Packages are also available to victim survivors to help access support, escape violence and stay safe.
“These packages can support security measures — such as CCTV, personal devices and property modifications — that allow them to remain safely in their own homes, as well as assistance to relocate to a new property if needed.”
The government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build program will see 12,000 new homes built over the next four years — including at least $1.25 billion for regional Victoria and almost 1000 homes for those experiencing family violence.
Campaspe Shire is not one of the 18 regional local government areas identified for a minimum investment guarantee and will have to submit local projects for a share in the $485 million not already committed.
The Orange Door network in Loddon is open 9am to 5pm weekdays (excluding public holidays) and can be contacted on 1800 512 359 or loddon@orangedoor.vic.gov.au.
For 24/7 family violence support, including access to safe accommodation, contact Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188, or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au. The Safe Steps web chat support service is available at safesteps.org.au Monday to Friday, 9am to midnight.
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