ADDITIONAL support for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence will now be available in Bathurst, thanks to three emergency refuge units.
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On Friday, February 7, three self-contained units attached to The Orchard in Bathurst were officially opened, adding to the five units built in 2023.
Thanks to the NSW government and Housing Plus, these units will benefit more than 30 women and children fleeing abusive relationships each year.
In addition to the units, a communal area has been constructed, with purpose-built play areas for children, kitchen facilities and a lounging section.
According to statistics, It's clear that these facilities are vital in Bathurst.
The local Housing Plus refuge receives around 4000 referrals to the centre annually from the police. That's almost 400 per month.
Now, not only will those utilising the accommodation have access to a safe space, Housing Plus will also deliver tailored, on-site support to help victim-survivors rebuild their lives.
These services include counselling, legal assistance, education, financial advice and employment support.
To access these services, Chief Executive Officer of Housing Plus and Plus Community Justin Cantelo said it's a matter of risk assessment for those in need.
"They can certainly access our services by calling Housing Plus, and we will do a risk assessment to determine what support is required for that person, as well as their risk profile, and then they access the service," he said.
"Whether it's support through accommodation, court support, or safety measures to keep them safe in their own home, we offer a variety of services."
This means that survivors can stay at The Orchard for as long as it takes to reintegrate into society safely.
Comments from the minister for prevention of domestic violence
According to the minister for women and minister for the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault, Jodie Harrison, this support is an essential part of the government's commitment to putting an end to domestic violence.
"Domestic and family violence absolutely shatters the lives of victims. It leaves scars, both physical and emotional, that last a lifetime," she said.
Opening the new units is part of the state government's investment of $426.6 million over four years, for crisis accommodation to support an additional 2,900 women fleeing domestic and family violence.
This accommodation comprises part of the Core and Cluster program, which is being rolled out in approximately 25 locations across the state, including Dubbo, Lithgow and Orange.
The program goes hand-in-hand with recent NSW legislation, which has seen coercive control become a criminal offence and tighter bail conditions for domestic violence perpetrators.
Andrew Gee
Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, said that the combination of the accommodation and new laws all contribute to shining a light on domestic violence.
As a result, he hopes that it can help end the epidemic.
"Domestic violence is a scourge, and it must end," he said.
"We have to shine a light on it, and I think everybody in the community has an obligation to speak out against it, and shine a light on, and say that the scourge of domestic violence must end."
The units will be officially open for those in need in the community starting on Saturday, February 8.
