By Charlene Macaulay
Wyndham women and children escaping family violence will soon have access to a new seven-unit refuge close to home.
Construction will begin on the Werribee site later this year and, once complete, will include units that can accommodate a range of families and an area for on-site support staff.
Works are expected to be completed in early 2019.
The refuge will be operated by the Safe Futures Foundation, which is the state’s largest provider of crisis accommodation.
State Housing Minister Martin Foley said the units were part of the government’s pledge to adopt all 227 recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence, including phasing out communal refuges.
“Family violence is Australia’s number one law and order issue – that’s why we’re taking action and leading the nation in our efforts to end violence against women,” he said.
A total 1032 family violence incidents were recorded in Wyndham during the 2017-18 financial year, including 503 common assaults, 267 serious assaults, 150 cases of threatening behaviour, 69 instances of harassment and private nuisance, and 43 cases of stalking.
The announcement comes six months after a new multidisciplinary centre – which houses police and support services under one roof – opened in Wyndham.
