- The Safe at Home program is being expanded to keep victim-survivors safe from family and domestic violence in Kalgoorlie, Hedland and Kununurra
- The State Government has committed $3.1 million to expand the program
- MacKillop Family Services, Centrecare and Gawooleng Yawoodeng Aboriginal Corporation have been awarded contracts to deliver the service
Three organisations have been awarded contracts to deliver the new Safe at Home program to keep victim-survivors safe from family and domestic violence in Kalgoorlie, Hedland and Kununurra.
Safe at Home is designed to undertake risk assessments, safety planning, security upgrades and provide in-home support for people escaping family and domestic violence so that they can safely stay in their own homes or a home of their choice, where it is safe to do so.
Assisting victim-survivors to maintain stable housing provides continuity of access to their usual support networks such as workplaces, schools and early learning centres.
MacKillop Family Services has been awarded the contract to deliver the program in Hedland, Centrecare will deliver it in Kalgoorlie, and Gawooleng Yawoodeng Aboriginal Corporation will run the program in Kununurra.
The Cook Government committed $3.1 million over two years to expand the program as part of a $72.6 million funding package announced in November last year to strengthen responses to family and domestic violence in WA.
The announcement comes during the Cook Government's 16 Days in WA campaign to end family and domestic violence.
The theme for 2024 is 'Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play your part', which encourages everyone to consider their role in stopping violence before it starts.
People experiencing family and domestic violence can call the Women's Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 007 339, or Men's Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 599, or the National Helpline 1800 RESPECT.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"Family and domestic violence has a devastating impact on families, homes and communities.
"It is vital that victim-survivors who experience violence have the option to stay safe in their homes, where it is safe to do so.
"The expansion of the Safe at Home program to Kununurra, Hedland and Kalgoorlie will enable victim-survivors to exercise choice about where they live and remain connected to their support networks.
"The Cook Government will continue to support initiatives that prioritise the needs of victim-survivors."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Providing victim-survivors with practical home security upgrades, along with connecting them to the supports and services they need is a welcomed initiative.
"The expansion of the Safe at Home program to Hedland will enable victim-survivors to exercise choices about where they live and to remain connected to their support networks."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"As I've said previously, victim-survivors often report how unfair it feels having to relocate and leave everything behind when they have done nothing wrong.
"I'm so glad that victim-survivors in Kalgoorlie will have the option to access Safe at Home while they rebuild their lives."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"For women bravely leaving abusive relationships, the ability to stay safely at home with added security and supports will be a game changer.
"I'm proud the Kununurra service will be run by Gawooleng Yawoodeng Aboriginal Corporation who are a very experienced provider of domestic violence services."
