Flexible domestic violence support gets $7 million State Government commitment over two years

Amid increased pressure to for more serious action against domestic violence across the country, the State Government has committed $7 million for the next two years to continue a program aimed at providing flexible funding support for victim-survivors. The Flexible Support Package program aims to provide an individualised approach to supporting victims of family, domestic and sexual violence, with more than 40 organisations across Western Australia to share in the funding. That includes Harbour Refuge and Support Services in the South West, with service providers to consider each package based on individual risk and the circumstances of the women and children. The State Government said there are no restrictions to the package amount provided and funding is determined by the case management plan. It builds on a previous two-year trial funded via the National Partnership Agreement for Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence Responses, which started in June 2022. Harbour chief executive Ali White said the flexible program was “invaluable”, helping them assist 313 women and children with a mix of practical, timely, and essential supports since its introduction. “Many of the women and children who arrive on our doorstep have left home following a crisis and have very little in the way of personal belongings,” she said. “Typically, a significant number have no access to a bank account, or the funds have either been withdrawn or blocked from their access. “Our priority is their safety and well-being and with the Flexible Support Package, we can provide them with food, clothing, perhaps transport to seek medical attention, remove tracking devices from their vehicles, upgrade their home security, or give them a new phone. “While they are with us, we work with them to achieve their goals, and the FSP helps them to purchase items as they move from the refuge into a new home such as furniture, school fees, school books, bags, or uniforms. “In a similar way, where Harbour is supporting women and children in their own home, they may require additional support in the way of paying rent or mortgage, (and) utilities until they can redirect their income into their own accounts.” Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton said after visiting refuge centres across the State, staff had shared meaningful, practical examples of how this program has helped the women accessing their services. “One example was a woman who received help to purchase white goods to establish a new home for herself and her family,” she said. “We know that no two experiences of family and domestic violence are the same. “The kind of individualised support that one person might need can be different to what another person needs to help re-establish their lives following domestic violence. “The flexible funding available through this program ensures the needs of victim-survivors are front and centre.” Bunbury MLA Don Punch said the program recognised there was no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting victim-survivors. “What I really like about the Flexible Support Package program is that it is client-led, giving the victim-survivor a strong voice and returning to them the power over their own lives that may have been compromised during their past experiences of controlling and abusive relationships,” he said.