The Liberal Government is continuing its commitment to improve the safety of women and their children, delivering two new safety hubs to be rolled out in regional South Australia.
The safety hubs are the first government-led hubs in SA and deliver a key Liberal Government election commitment.
The first two hubs will be located in Murray Bridge and Berri in the Murray and Mallee region and will be open from mid-2019. Further sites will be rolled out later this year and a total of nine hubs will be up and running from now to June 2021.
Safety hubs are local places where women and their children who are experiencing, or are at risk of, domestic, family and sexual violence can access information and support from staff and volunteers face-to-face.
Safety hubs take different forms, so women in different regions can have access to the hub that best suits their needs.
“Safety hubs give critical support to women when they need it most and ensure women and their children living with violent or abusive relationships have better access to the support services they need,” said Minister Lensink.
“The services offered at these sites could quite literally be a lifesaver for women facing violent situations at home.
“I’m pleased the Liberal Government is delivering on our election commitment to roll out these hubs which will help women experiencing domestic and family violence right across South Australia.
“Each safety hub will provide specific types of help for women which will include specialist domestic and family violence services, legal help and financial counsellors.
“The hubs are being placed in areas of greatest need following direct feedback from our domestic and family violence roundtables in talking with the sector and the community.
“Staff and volunteers in the Murray Bridge safety hub will provide targeted and appropriate information and referrals to women and help them access the support they need.
“At the Berri safety hub, assistance will be available from a range of specialist services, including housing, children’s’ services, counselling, financial advice and legal support.
“Local services will be advised of the location of the safety hubs, so they can provide information to their clients.”
“Volunteers will be trained and supported by the Women’s Information Service, part of the Office for Women.”
Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Carolyn Power said the Liberal Government was pleased to deliver safety hubs to regional SA.
“We’ve heard directly that people who live regionally and experience domestic and family violence need a range of support networks to enable them to stay connected with their own community,” said Mrs Power.
“There will be different models of safety hubs, tailored to suit the unique needs of different regions and locations.
“All South Australians deserve the right to access services that support their safety.”
