AUSTRALIAN GOV'T TO FUND NEW EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

CANBERRA, July 9 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- The Australian government has committed funding to almost double the number of safe spaces across the country for women and children escaping domestic violence, reported Xinhua.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth announced on Tuesday that the government will fund 19 new projects to provide 720 new emergency accommodation places for victims of domestic violence within three years.

This will take the total number of emergency accommodation places delivered under the government's safe spaces programme to approximately 1,500.

Rishworth said in a statement that the new projects would focus on improving access to emergency accommodation for women and children from indigenous, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities.

"Family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness and housing uncertainty for women and children across Australia. We know there is an increased demand for emergency accommodation," Rishworth stated.

The programme is part of the government's 10-year plan to end violence against women and children.

 According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 23 per cent of Australian women aged 15 and over have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner.

Protests were held around Australia in April demanding an end to gender-based violence following a wave of high-profile incidents.

In response, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed AUD925 million (US$623.5 million) in funding over five years for a new leaving violence programme, under which women escaping violent relationships are eligible to access up to AUD5,000 (US$3,370.5) in financial support.  

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA