Members of the Lane Cove Women’s Action and Information Group (WAIG, est. 1983), would like to register our congratulations on holding a COAG National Summit on reducing violence against women, to be held on Friday 28^th October.

We are collectively dismayed to note however, that WEL’s submission for funding by State/Federal governments into crisis accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence, is not on the agenda for the Summit.

We actively support our Lower North Shore women’s refuges and know that the funding cuts hit all NSW refuges extremely hard. Most of the refuges are now operating as homeless shelters, which are clearly not suitable for traumatised women and children. Of the fourteen refuges that remain, their funding has been cut by 50% and they are running on skeleton staff. Demand for places by women and children seeking safety is overwhelming and it is not unusual for at least 25 women to be turned away each week.

All the topics listed for discussion and consideration are tremendously important. However, before the remedial education, and other means of educating for prevention take effect, the issue of a safe haven for women and children running from domestic violence should be considered, as well as the trauma counselling and legal aid available to help them through this difficult time. 

Lane Cove WAIG calls on the COAG Summit to include support for WEL’s “2 cents a day” campaign asking for long-term, secure Federal/State funding for women’s crisis services.

WAIG