Labor will reverse the Liberal Government’s cuts to a program that protects women and children at risk of family violence, by supporting them to keep living in their homes.

After the federal Government confirmed it cut the funding for the Keeping Women Safe in Their Homes program, Labor has announced they will invest $18 million over three years to 2021-22 to ensure the program continues.

Anne Moore, executive officer of the Rockingham-based program provider The Lucy Saw Centre, said the funding plays a vital role in keeping women and children in their homes. 

“In the past 18 months alone, we’ve been able to support 150 women to stay in their homes,” said Ms Moore.

“Domestic violence is one of the biggest drivers of homelessness and being able to stay safe at home means at-risk women and children can maintain stability in their lives.”

“Funding this program means there are fewer women on the streets and more children in school.”

The program gives at-risk women and their children the option to stay in their home by providing safety planning, security assessments and home upgrades such as lock changes, surveillance cameras and panic buttons.

According to Madeleine King MP, Federal Member for Brand, the funding cuts to the life-saving program should never have happened in the first place.

“The idea behind the Keeping Women Safe in Their Homes program is simple, but the impact it has on the lives of vulnerable women and children is huge,” Ms King said.

“It’s a no-brainer for Labor to commit to restoring funding to such an important program.”

In addition to the funding commitment, Labor will also make sure preventing family violence remains in the nation’s focus by developing a new 10-Year National Plan and pushing this important issue on the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) agenda.