$1 million to boost violence support for Bundaberg women

Published Monday, 05 October, 2020 at 02:52 PM

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
The Honourable Di Farmer

Bundaberg’s EDON Place has secured $1 million over three years to support women to rebuild their lives after domestic, family and sexual violence.

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Di Farmer, said the new service would provide longer-term help.

“Domestic, family and sexual violence has no place in Queensland,” Ms Farmer said.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government is delivering $350,000 every year for three-years to help EDON Place provide holistic support for women traumatised by sexual violence.

“This new service builds on the care and crisis accommodation EDON Place already offers to women and children escaping domestic and family violence.      

“With this additional funding, EDON Place will provide tailor-made sexual assault counselling for women of all ages and backgrounds.

“Longer-term care at EDON Place also includes help securing safe housing, job training or assistance with accessing specialist health services.

“At EDON Place, Bundaberg women affected by sexual violence will find the caring support they need to recover and regain control of their lives.”     

The new Bundaberg service will be one of 12 Women’s Health and Wellbeing Support Services funded state-wide.

Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey welcomed the Government’s support.

“As a former police officer I’m acutely aware of the need to assist victims of violence,” he said.

“I thank the Minister and the Government for recognising the issues we have in Bundaberg and providing this assistance.”

CEO of EDON Place Domestic and Family Violence Centre, Lyne Booth, said the new program would be an important addition to crisis services for women in Bundaberg.

“The program focusses on improving health by building women’s social connections and economic independence,” Ms Booth said.

“We know financial security and personal confidence can help reduce the risk of ongoing trauma.

“This is a holistic service to support women with parenting and further education to improve their job prospects.

“At EDON Place we’ll be providing tailored assistance to help traumatised women to achieve better health, wellbeing and personal independence.”  

For more information on support for victims of domestic and family violence visit www.qld.gov.au/dometicviolence

Media contact: 0427 475 089