Women in regional areas are to have access to more support for domestic and family violence with a new Department of Human Services (DHS) safety hub set to open later this week (22 October).
In a statement, the Department said the seventh women’s safety hub would open in Whyalla, the latest in a new state-first network of safety hubs now open from Mt Gambier to Berri and Port Augusta.
The DHS said the hubs helped South Australians seek help, information and referrals when they needed it.
It said seven hubs were up and running, with further hubs opening in Goolwa and Port Pirie, and a tenth hub set to open in Port Lincoln.
The Department said hubs were tailored to each region and all provided information and referrals for domestic violence support, as well as information on: Housing; police and legal matters; family intervention; financial counselling; mental health medical services; and drug and alcohol services.
Minister for Human Services, Michelle Lensink said most hubs offered private drop-in spaces with phone and computer access, a vital service for women who were unable to freely seek information or access services in their own homes.
Ms Lensink said women in regional areas could also access Statewide programs and schemes, including the 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Line and Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme to ensure at-risk women and their children have access to support, help and safe accommodation.
She said safety hubs were run by trained and up-skilled local volunteers who not only helped women to access services, but also boosted community understanding about domestic violence.
Regional safety hubs are located at: Berri; Gawler; Goolwa (now recruiting volunteers); Mount Barker; Mount Gambier; Murray Bridge; Port Augusta; Port Lincoln (work is in progress); Port Pirie (now recruiting volunteers); and Whyalla (opening soon).
