New Coast refuge for DV victims

The Central Coast will be home to one of 10 new refuges for victim survivors of domestic and family violence to be set up by the State Government by 2026.

Under round three of the Core and Cluster program, $83.4M has been invested across the state to support more than 500 women and children a year fleeing domestic and family violence.

Round three of the program, which has to date delivered 39 refuges across the state, will see new refuges established in the Wingecarribee, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Wollongong, Coonamble Shire, Glen Innes, Clarence Valley, Walgett Shire, Lake Macquarie and Wollondilly local government areas, along with Central Coast.

Combined, all refuges delivered under the Core and Cluster program are estimated to assist an additional 2,900 women and children across NSW.

The Core and Cluster refuge model promotes independent living by providing self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education and employment support.

This forms part of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to address domestic and family violence across NSW, at all stages, by investing in primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said it was critical that victim survivors of domestic and family violence had a safe place to go.

“I am pleased the NSW Government is funding a new refuge for women and children on the Central Coast as part of a NSW-wide roll out,” he said.

“It is also pleasing the new Core and Cluster refuges will have a focus on assisting Aboriginal women, with four of the 10 projects being run by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said family and domestic violence was a tragic reality experienced by too many in the region.

“The Central Coast Core and Cluster refuge will provide a safe haven for women and children to rebuild their lives free from violence,” he said.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said everyone deserved to be safe in their homes and that leaving a violent family relationship took courage.

“After women and children make this courageous decision, it is critical that they have a safe place to go,” she said.

“This Central Coast Core and Cluster refuge is so important to ending the cycle of violence, allowing women and children to rebuild their lives.”

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the police on triple zero – 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.