By Alesha Capone
A new family violence refuge is being built in the municipality of Wyndham.
Western metropolitan MP Ingrid Stitt announced the news in Parliament.
Ms Stitt said the refuge would be a “core and cluster family violence refuge” as part of a $15 million state government program to build and redevelop four refuges across the state.
Most of Victoria’s refuges are communal, with a shared kitchen and bathroom facilities and each bedroom accommodating a woman and her children.
However, the core and cluster models include a number of independent units and a 24-hour support facility on the one site.
“The Royal Commission into Family Violence made specific recommendations to phase out older-style communal refuges and move to a core and cluster style of refuge accommodation for women and children escaping family violence,” Ms Stitt said.
“The Royal Commission also called out the lack of refuges located in areas of demand, including the growth corridors in Melbourne’s outer west.”
She said the Wyndham refuge would be operated by the Safe Futures Foundation, the largest provider of crisis refuge responses in Victoria.
“The modern and flexible accommodation will make such a difference to women and their children in desperate need and provide much-needed capacity in the west,” Ms Stitt said.
Data from Victoria Police shows the number of family violence incidents reported in Wyndham rose to 875 last year, compared to 700 incidents during 2018.
To escape family violence, phone Women’s Health West on 9689 9588 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm) or email fvassist@whwest.org.au.
To speak to someone outside of business hours, contact Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188.
If you are in immediate danger call the police on triple-0.
