Cash boost to tackle family violence

Ruth Dyson

Family violence prevention services are getting an extra $9 million in the May 18 budget, the Government said today.

Spread over four years, it represents a 20 per cent increase in funding for the services.

Ruth Dyson, the minister responsible for Child, Youth and Family Services, said it was a response to increasing demands on organisations which provided crisis response to family violence.

It will go to non-government community service providers such as 24-hour crisis lines, counselling, social work support, safe-house accommodation, advocacy and information.

"Demand for family violence prevention services continues to increase, both through raised awareness of the problem and through increased referrals generated by government initiatives," Ms Dyson said.

"This budget announcement recognises the increased demand, and increases the funding into this sector for the first time in more than a decade."

Ms Dyson said there would also be an undertaking from key government departments and ministries such as police, health, education and social development to work with Child, Youth and Family Services to develop and implement solutions to address the sharp rise in notifications.

- NZPA