Funding boost for St George domestic violence service

Oatley MP Mark Coure has announced that local organisation Moving Forward has received $54,000 in funding as part of the NSW and Federal Governments' recent $21 million investment in boosting frontline line domestic violence support services during COVID-19.

Mr Coure said that this funding will increase specialist support services for domestic violence victim-survivors at a critical time.

"The pandemic has increased the potential for domestic abuse in homes across the state, so we want to ensure help is available and accessible at this crucial time," Mr Coure said.

"Our dedicated frontline services, as well as police and local court staff, do an incredible job each day responding to the terrible scourge of domestic and family violence.\"

"This funding boost by the NSW and Federal Governments will ensure local support services like Moving Forward have the resources they need to respond to any increase in service demand."

NSW Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Mark Speakman said more victim-survivors have sought assistance during the pandemic and are presenting to services with more complex needs.

"This comprehensive package responds to a range of issues raised with the Government during this pandemic, and aims to protect women and children and ultimately save lives," Mr Speakman said.

The $21 million additional investment for domestic violence frontline specialist services comprises of $12.8 million from the NSW Government and $8.8 million from the Federal Government.

The package includes state-wide funding for women's refuges, court advocacy, legal assistance services and the NSW Domestic Violence Line which provides 24/7 crisis counselling and referrals to support services.

If anyone is experiencing domestic or family violence or knows of someone else who is, contact the Domestie Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 when it is safe to do so or triple 0 in an emergency.