Budget delivers second domestic violence shelter for the North

North Queensland will have a second emergency accommodation shelter to assist women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman is in the state’s north today to announce the Palaszczuk Government will allocate $3.64 million to build and run the new shelter at Charters Towers, which is expected to open next year.

“When women make the brave decision to leave a violent relationship, we must make sure we have the support and services there to help,” she said.

“We will work tirelessly to get this shelter up and running next year, in recognition of the seriousness and urgency of domestic and family violence in Charters Towers.

“The Charters Towers shelter will be the second new service in North Queensland and the third new service to be delivered in the state as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s response to the Not Now, Not Ever report.

“Two new 72-hour crisis shelters in Townsville and Brisbane opened their doors in December, 2015. Together these services have already assisted over a thousand women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

“In Townsville alone in just its first six months of operation, the new shelter has helped around 100 women and 140 children to find safe refuge.”

Ms Fentiman said the shelter at Charters Towers will deliver on the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to reach out and assist victims, no matter where they live in Queensland.

“The shelter will include four bedrooms so women and children have a safe haven, as well as provide professional support to help them make a fresh start,” she said.

“This new service will also link women with other specialist services to provide support until they have safe and stable housing in place. This vital service will connect them with ongoing support including legal support and advice, health services and other issues.”

“We are committed to supporting victims to get their lives back on track and ensuring support is available to those who need it most.”

The Palaszczuk Government will spend a record $200 million to tackle domestic and family violence in Queensland, as announced in the 2016-17 State Budget.

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