Support packages helping women and children fleeing violence

2021-02-08

Hundreds of South Australian women have been financially supported through a new State Government measure to help them – and their children – to escape family and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

So far, 1,133 women state-wide have been supported through brokerage packages worth a total of $712,000.

The packages provide immediate help to pay for things like:

• transport
• moving and housing costs
• counselling services, and
• legal assistance.

Financial strain can often be a barrier for many women leaving dangerous situations. The $1 million boost to domestic violence services state-wide gives women and their children financial support that in many cases enables them to quickly remove themselves from unsafe situations.

A large number of women receiving support packages during the pandemic have had children accompanying them, meaning this financial assistance is enabling safer pathways for women and their families.

About the support packages

The packages are tailored to each woman's unique circumstances, supporting them with:

• housing and other accommodation
• transportation
• food and bills

— which they can receive through NGOs state-wide.

The women who have received support packages

Of the 1,133 women who have received a support package up to 31 December 2020:

• 43 per cent had never sought help for domestic violence before
• 39 per cent had children accompanying them.
• 19 per cent identified as Aboriginal people
• 42 per cent were aged 25 to 44

The most common supports

The most common supports were:

• transportation (36 per cent)
• alternative housing and accommodation (27 per cent)
• basic material needs (21 percent).

A Federal Government funding boost last year enabled the State Government to fast-track new domestic violence initiatives in South Australia.

For immediate support

If life is in danger, phone 000 (triple zero)

Domestic Violence Crisis Line

Phone 1800 800 098

Men’s Referral Service

Phone 1300 766 491