NSW Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said at the opening that disturbing findings revealed a high prevalence of violence and sexual assault cases involving the Indigenous community.
As signatory to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, Ms Harrison said the state government is committed to reduce the rate of family and domestic violence against Aboriginal women and children.
The agreement calls for states and territories designing and responding to domestic violence crisis recently highlighted by the National Cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to find solutions following the violet deaths of 27 women since the start of the year alone.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data showed almost three-quarters of recorded assault hospitalisations last year involved Indigenous people violently hurt by an intimate partner or family member.
Ms Harrison said the Wirrawee Gunya Dharruk refuge will commence taking referrals this month.
The service has been designed in consultation with the Indigenous community with a focus on self-determination, early intervention, healing and recovery for Aboriginal families, including men who inflict various forms of violence.
“Family violence wreaks devastation throughout the community, and we know that Aboriginal women and children are over-represented as victim-survivors,” Ms Harrison said.
DV West Aboriginal Services and Development will run the refuge and service which has been funded by the NSW government with $1.8M over three years.
It will provide accommodation and outreach to 290 Aboriginal women and their children each year, including counselling, legal assistance, safety planning and support to be able to recover from violence suffered.
DV West manager Terrieanne Hughes said those women and children fleeing violence need a secure place to start rebuilding their lives that also supports them to connect to their culture and community.
