Alarming new family violence trends

#960 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 14 Sep 2014.

This week, Assistant Minister for Women, Michaelia Cash, announced the federal government would take a “zero tolerance approach” to domestic violence, in the wake of revelations made in submissions to a senate inquiry into the issue.

Domestic violence is one of the great tragedies of community life, having a significant impact on health and well-being in the immediate and longer term, continuing even after a relationship has ended.  The psychological consequences can be as serious as the physical effects.

Frontline relief workers warned that women fleeing family violence were at significant risk of homelessness due to a shortage of crisis accommodation.

It is understood that half of all women escaping violent home life were unable to access immediate accommodation, and were at significant risk of returning to abusive relationships.

Violence among family members can never be condoned, and we must all do whatever we can to provide sanctuary for those at risk.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.