New domestic violence refuge for women in Griffith

The NSW Government is to invest $6.4 million into a new emergency refuge for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence in the Riverina city of Griffith.

Located close to the existing women’s refuge in Griffith, which has operated for over 40 years, the new refuge will add vital crisis accommodation capacity for women and children leaving violence, giving them the opportunity to stay within their established community.

“The rates of domestic and family violence in the regions are unacceptably high,” Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said.

“The New South Wales Government is committed to ensuring women and children have the support they need, no matter the postcode they live in.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison.

Independent member for Murray Helen Dalton said the new facility would provide vulnerable rural women access to much needed support.

“The new self-contained accommodation for women and children in the area who are trying to escape the scourge of domestic violence is welcome news,” she said.

The refuge is based on a Core and Cluster model that promotes independent living by providing a ‘cluster’ of self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support, including access to counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.

The Griffith refuge is expected to start operation next year.