At-risk women in regional areas have access to more domestic violence support than ever before thanks to a new state-first network of 10 safety hubs now open from Mt Gambier to Port Pirie and Port Augusta helping South Australians seek help, information and referrals when they need it.
Upon coming into office, the Marshall Liberal Government committed to opening a series of safety hubs across the regions – and all 10 hubs are now open.
Each hub is tailored specifically to each region and are a place where women can access information, referrals and support from trained staff and volunteers. They may also be assisted with housing and legal matters, family intervention, counselling, drug and alcohol services, or offer drop in spaces with phone and computer access.
New safety hubs open this month:
- Goolwa – The Haven Goolwa safety hub, Goolwa Library, 11 Cadell St
Goolwa, open from 10am - 2pm Monday to Friday. Launches 11 February.
- Port Pirie – The Haven at Port Pirie, 28 Symonds St, Risdon Park, Tuesday to Thursday 10am-2pm. Launches 15 February.
- Port Lincoln – Women's Wellbeing and Safety Centre, 34 Mortlock Tce. Opens 18 February. At risk-women at this site will be able to access SAPOL and the Domestic Violence service on site at the Port Lincoln Women's Wellbeing and Safety Centre.
Safety hubs already open:
- Murray Bridge – The Haven at Murray Bridge Community Centre, 9am-4pm Monday to Friday. Now open.
- Berri – contact Riverland Domestic Violence Service on (08) 8582 2100, after hours at 1800 800 098 or at [email protected]. Now open.
- Port Augusta – run by KWY, 47 Stirling Rd Port Augusta. Now open.
- Gawler – The Haven at Gawler Community Centre, 9am-4pm Monday to Friday. Now open.
- Mount Barker – The Haven at Mount Barker Community Centre, 9am-4pm Monday to Thursday, 9am-3.30pm Friday; Willows Children's Centre, Tuesday mornings during school term. Now open.
- Mount Gambier – The Haven at Mount Gambier Library, 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.
- Whyalla – The Haven at Centacare Catholic Country SA Whyalla
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the regional safety hubs were one of many new domestic violence measures the Marshall Liberal Government is delivering.
"Ensuring at-risk women and their children have access to support, help and safe accommodation no matter where they live in South Australia remains a priority," said Minister Lensink.
"That's why the Marshall Liberal Government has invested a record $21 million – and counting – on a suite of new DV measures to support at-risk women and children right across the state.
"We know that the insidious scourge of DV does not stop in Adelaide and that's why we have rolled out state-first safety hubs that are providing vital support for women and their children in our regions which compliment a range of other initiatives to help our regional communities."
Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Carolyn Power said having safety hubs located in regional South Australia means women can access tailored support closer to their homes.
"Women who have got support at a new safety hub have shared with me how it has helped to provide them with an increased sense of safety, connection and peace for them in their local community," said Assistant Minister Power.
"We listened to the sector, communities and people with lived experienced at roundtables held across South Australia, and as a result the Marshall Liberal Government has delivered ten safety hubs tailored to support the needs of women around our state.
"Thank you to the wonderful trained volunteers who also support these hubs, providing information about local community supports, specialist domestic, family and sexual violence services, and referrals for housing, financial or legal matters."
Deputy Premier Dan van Holst Pellekaan welcomed the additional domestic violence support in Port Pirie and Port Augusta.
"Ensuring at-risk South Australians have support in our regions is crucial and these two new safety hubs in Port Pirie and Port Augusta will go a long way in helping women experiencing domestic violence," said Premier van Holst Pellekaan.
"Our new safety hubs represent an unprecedented level of support for women in regional South Australia, making it easier than ever before for women to get the information and referrals they need for themselves and their children."
The safety hubs are open to anyone, including people who are concerned for friends or relatives they believe to be experiencing domestic, family, or sexual violence.
If you or someone you know is at risk, please call:
24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Line 1800 800 098
1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732
