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National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges,
Women's Refuge says the government’s plan to establish a new Community Response Fund is a sensible measure to address the imminent impact of the recession.
Last week the government announced the Community Response Fund that will make available up to $40 million in additional support in this coming year for community and voluntary sector organisations.
Women’s Refuge Chief Executive, Heather Henare, said it was well established that high rates of domestic violence coincide with economic recession.
"Police in the United States, where the recession hit first, have seen significant spikes in domestic violence. The United Kingdom is anticipating a similar rise,” she said.
“Women’s Refuge and other non-government organisations are only too aware of the demands that may be placed on us as job losses and business failure begin to take their toll on communities.”
“We are pleased to see the Ministry of Social Development working in consultation with communities and social service agencies to ensure that we are there and we are resourced to provide essential support services when and where they are needed.”
Ms Henare said Women’s Refuge provides more than just safe houses. “Many of our refuges are working innovatively and making great progress in turning the story around in their communities. I hope these success stories will receive a boost from this funding as it becomes available.”
“The Pathways to Partnership model introduced by the previous government did provide us with a long awaited commitment to support which we hoped would enable us to build sustainable infrastructure. We understand that there will be some re-shaping of that funding model, but we look forward to working constructively with government, not just through the recession, but into a safer future for our families and whānau.”
Women’s Refuge is New Zealand’s most significant family violence organisation, with a 35 year history of providing comprehensive services for women and children.
* To read Social Development and Employment Minister Paula Bennett's launch of the Community Response Fund visit: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/launch+community+response+fund
The Fund, which is expected to operate for two years, will be available from 1 July 2009.