Image: Sally Stevenson says she is thrilled the voices of DV survivors have been heard. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)
Federal budget gives $25 million for Australia-first domestic violence trauma recovery centre in NSW
Survivors of domestic violence are a step closer to being able to access holistic support to recover from trauma after plans for a wraparound service receive vital funding in the federal budget.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced $25 million would be made available to the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, south of Wollongong, over five years to set up Australia’s first domestic violence trauma recovery centre.
The centre’s manager, Sally Stevenson, said she was surprised to get a call from the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday night after a lengthy campaign to have the project funded.
“We’re still a little bit in shock. We weren’t expecting it,” Ms Stevenson said. “Absolutely thrilled the voices of victim-survivors have been recognised. “It’s what we’ve been calling for, for a number of years … to have this commitment is phenomenal,” she said.
‘The evidence is there’
Ms Stevenson said the money would be used to fund the operation of the centre.
“Over [the five years], we know that we can show this will work,” she said.
“The whole design is based on in-depth research, and it has included the experiences of women who have gone through trauma and abuse.
“The research has been done, the evidence is there, the voices have spoken, and it’s now been funded. We are so happy.”
Ms Stevenson said the centre would now work to secure additional funding from the New South Wales government to purchase land and a building for the recovery facility. The local funding has been allocated as part of a $290 million national investment in the recovery of victim-survivors over five years, including a commitment to improving the family law and justice system.
