Susanna Freymark
“The bottom line for perpetrators is that if you hit or abuse a woman or a child, you are not a man, you are a criminal and we’re coming after you big time.”
State MP Chris Gulaptis didn’t hold back when speaking about domestic violence.
“There is a pandemic of domestic and family violence out there, with the NSW Police Force getting more than 140,000 calls for help each year and, on average, one Australian woman being killed by a partner every nine days,” Mr Gulaptis said.
Premier Dom Perrottet announced today a record $484 million to fight against domestic violence.
“The bulk of the funding is for women’s refuges, the locations of which cannot be revealed for security reasons,” Mr Gulaptis said.
Mr Perrottet, a father of six with another on the way, said everyone had the right to live a life free from violence and abuse.
“That is a right that is far too often callously eroded by those who perpetrate domestic violence,” Mr Perrottet said.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said domestic and family violence was the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.
“One of the most important things we can do in government is to ensure that when a victim-survivor makes the courageous decision to leave a violent home – a time when she actually faces the greatest risk – that there’s a secure, supportive environment waiting to help her,” Mrs Taylor said.
Richmond Valley and Kyogle LGAs are in need of more refuge centres.
For confidential advice, support and referrals:
- 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
- NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63
- NSW Rape Crisis 1800 424 017
- Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491
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