Women's Refuge in funding plea

Women's Refuge launched its annual appeal yesterday with a plea to the Government for increased funding.

A petition with 200,000 signatures was presented to Women's Affairs Minister Ruth Dyson at Parliament requesting increased funding.

Ms Dyson acknowledged Women's Refuge's significant contribution to the community by protecting victims and working to prevent family violence.

"Reducing violence against women and children is very high on our Government's agenda," she said.

"We will give careful consideration to the request for more funding and are committed to ensuring that Women's Refuge continues to be viable, so that its essential services can continue."

Ms Dyson said Government work to address family violence included several complementing strategies and initiatives, including Te Rito: The New Zealand Family Violence Prevention Strategy and the Crime Prevention Strategy.

Women's Affairs was also researching legal tools to combat domestic violence.

- NZPA