Funding boost for diverse women experiencing domestic and family violence

• Australia’s only government funded refuge, specifically for culturally and linguistically diverse women, is receiving $2 million over five years
• More women will be able to access this culturally appropriate safety and support  

Refugee and immigrant women and their children who are experiencing domestic and family violence will receive greater specialised support courtesy of the Miles Government.

Over the next five years, $2 million will be provided to the Islamic Women’s Association of Australia (IWAA) for their Salam Safe House which provides comprehensive refuge and assistance to culturally and linguistically diverse women impacted by domestic and family violence.

Culturally and linguistically diverse Queenslanders can be at increased risk of experiencing domestic and family violence and face additional barriers to reporting violence, seeking support and escaping an abusive relationship.

Salam Safe House provides a tranquil, safe space and shelter for diverse women and their children, where holistic healing begins.

Long time IWAA chief executive officer Galila Abdelsalam founded the body’s predecessor in Queensland in 1991 and in 2019 was recognised for her outstanding community work with an Order of Australia Medal. 

The Miles Government has invested $1.9 billion since 2015 in trying to end all forms of domestic, family and sexual violence, including a $588 million package to respond to two Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce’s reports.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath;

“Ours is a government for all Queenslanders.

“We have recognised that the Salam Safe House has relied solely on self-funding in the past and their clients will benefit immensely from a financial boost to case management and external DFV support services.

“These services are designed to address the unique needs of Muslim and culturally and linguistically diverse women, and Salam Safe House has strong links with professionals experienced in working with this demographic.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health and Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman:

“Salam means complete or perfect peace, and IWAA have created a tranquil space that lives up to its name.

“We know that refugee and migrant women face additional and unique barriers to safety, with limited access to income support, employment, healthcare, and housing.

“Services like these are critical, that’s why we’re investing more than $2 million in Salam Safe House – making it the only government-funded DFV shelter specifically for CALD women in Australia.

“It is such a vital service for the community, providing crisis accommodation, connections with DFV support services and practical support to ensure their residents can move forward and rebuild their lives.

“We know that DFV services are in high demand, which is why the Miles Government will continue investing to ensure women can access this crucial support.”  

ENDS

Media contact: healthmedia@ministerial.qld.gov.au