Family and domestic violence program Safe at Home expanded to Kununurra

Kununurra residents suffering from family violence will be offered more protection in their own homes, following the expansion of the WA Government’s Safe at Home scheme. At the same time, suffering family members will also have the option of moving to a separate, safeguarded residence. The Safe at Home program — established in 2010 — has been granted $3.1 million to expand as part of a $72.6 million investment designed to provide in-home support for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence. Support includes risk assessments, safety planning and security upgrades — helping families maintain safe and sustainable housing and ensuring continuous access to usual support networks. The initiative has also been expanded to Hedland and Kalgoorlie and is currently operating in the Perth metropolitan area, Wheatbelt, South West and most recently Fitzroy Crossing and Katanning. Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton said it is vital that people who experience family and domestic violence have the option to stay safe in their homes, maintain their economic security and stay connected to their support networks. “The expansion of the Safe at Home program to Kununurra, Hedland and Kalgoorlie will enable victim-survivors in these communities to exercise choices about where they live,” Minister Winton said. Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said the new service will empower local women with alternatives to consider above and beyond going to a refuge or crisis accommodation. “The service will help complement the fantastic work already being done by organisations like Gawooleng,” she said.