As the Covid-19 emergency continues more must be done to ensure those suffering from domestic violence continue to be heard and receive the support they need.
Dr Mike Freelander, the federal member for Macarthur says he is worried that during times of increased emotional and financial stress for individuals and families, victims of domestic violence are at risk of losing access to services of support.
“During this highly stressful period of job losses, financial insecurity and rising emotional tensions, we must ensure victims of domestic violence are able to continue to access support services,” he says.
“Domestic violence is a scourge on our society and there is absolutely no place for it; and for those who unfortunately fall victim to these horrible acts, they deserve to have a stable and secure system of support.”
The Macarthur MP recently wrote to Mark Speakman, the NSW Attorney General, calling for a renewal in funding for Macarthur Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS).
Dr Freelander, pictured below, said WDVCAS provided invaluable and immensely important domestic violence services such as case management to thousands of Macarthur women every year.
They helped an average of 46 women a week in 2019.
“I call on the NSW Government to continue funding Macarthur WDVCAS,” Dr Freelander said.
He is also urging the Attorney General to extend the funding period to a set period of years.
Presently, organisations such as the WDVCAS undertake an annual review in relation to their funding that can be stressful and burdensome to complete on such a regular basis.
Dr Freelander argues that these organisations require stability and reassurance they will able to continue their valuable services; sentiments shared by victims who also deserve to know if a safe and secure organisation will be there to provide ongoing assistance.
