Family violence crisis accommodation over the holiday period


Released 20/12/2017

Tackling domestic and family violence remains a key priority focus of the ACT Government and, as has been the case for the past 12 years, additional accommodation will be provided over the holiday period for those who are impacted by family violence and are unable to remain safely in their own homes.

The Domestic Violence Christmas Program began on Friday 15 December and will operate until Friday 31 January 2018. The program was developed as a direct response to an increased need for emergency accommodation for families experiencing domestic violence during the holiday season.

The program targets people in immediate need and in fear for their safety, or the safety of their family members because of domestic or family violence.

The annual program is run in collaboration between Housing ACT, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service and Specialist Homelessness Services and also offers an alternative accommodation option for the person who has used violence, to allow the remainder of the family to stay in their home.

Over 13 years of the program, 485 people have been accommodated, 3256 accommodation nights have been provided and a total of 7844 bed nights have been supplied.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, including sexual assault, there are a number of programs and organisations in the ACT that can support you:

  • The Domestic Violence Crisis Service, which aims to promote the safety of people subjected to domestic violence, provide crisis intervention and address the problem of violence and abuse in relationships - (02) 6280 0900 – www.dvcs.org.au/;
  • Legal Aid (ACT Domestic Violence and Protection Order Unit), which provides advice on the process for applying for an order, assistance with submitting an application and representation in court - (02) 6243 3411 – www.legalaidact.org.au;
  • Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, which provides a crisis counselling line, Indigenous community support, counselling to victims and their families, and community education programs - (02) 6247 2525 – http://crcc.org.au/;
  • Beryl Women Inc, which provides supported crisis accommodation to women with dependent children who are escaping domestic and family violence - (02) 6230 6900 - http://www.beryl.org.au/;
  • EveryMan Australia, which provides counselling, crisis support, outreach services, information and referral to men with complex needs, including family violence - (02) 6230 6999 - http://www.everyman.org.au/;
  • Victim Support ACT, which provides counselling, court support and advocacy services to victims of crime, including family violence - 1800 822 72 – http://www.victimsupport.act.gov.au/; and
  • Toora Women inc, which provides domestic violence accommodation and outreach support, counselling for victims of violence and support for women with drug and alcohol issues – 6247 2399 – www.toora.org.au.

- Statement ends -

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

Mark Paviour

02 6205 2775

0466 521 634

mark.paviour@act.gov.au


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