Empowering Haven: Enhancing Safety for Women and Children Facing Violence in the Northern Territory

The Albanese Labor Government is making strides for the Northern Territory, allocating additional funding to create 56 safe spaces for women and children facing family and domestic violence.

A further $7.8 million in federal funding from the Safe Places Inclusion Round is now available for the Salvation Army to establish 14 new emergency residences in Alice Springs.

Two apartment complexes will be upgraded to provide four one-bedroom apartments, six two-bedroom units, and four three-bedroom units.

During a site visit today, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth emphasized that the construction would yield a much-needed sanctuary for women and families seeking refuge from violence.

“We are delighted to have provided funding to the Salvation Army for its second Safe Places project within the Northern Territory, addressing the demand for services in the region, and catering to the specific cultural requirements of those seeking assistance,” Minister Rishworth stated.

“It is essential that access to culturally considerate emergency housing exists nationwide, inclusive of regional and remote locations, so that every woman and child impacted by family and domestic violence has a pathway to safety.

“The Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program is a vital component of the Australian Government’s efforts to enhance resources and support for individuals experiencing family and domestic violence.”

Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot commented on the significance of delivering these initiatives in the regions.

“Family and domestic violence ranks as one of the primary drivers of homelessness and housing instability for women and children throughout Australia, which is why it is critical for women and children to have a secure refuge and assistance, no matter where they reside,” Assistant Minister Elliot remarked.

“I am proud that the Albanese Labor Government is funding this essential Safe Places initiative across the nation, including in the Northern Territory, to ensure increased support for victim-survivors of family, domestic, and sexual violence.”

As of now, the Australian Government has allocated $172.6 million for delivering emergency accommodation under the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program in line with the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

This inclusion round is set to establish up to 720 new safe places for women and children throughout Australia, raising the total number of safe locations to about 1500.