PENRITH, BLACKTOWN and Mount Druitt have been named as domestic violence ‘hot spots’ according to a new government action plan aimed at curbing family violence across western Sydney.

Liberal Senator for New South Wales, Marise Payne told Nepean News that under the government’s Women’s Safety Package, $100 million in funding is being directed at resources to break the cycles of violence.

the package will include funding for specialised education programs, extra money for support groups and and expanding of training for frontline workers such a police, doctors, emergency department staff and social workers.

“I have seen workers in all those areas across western Sydney bring their special brand of support and professionalism to care for people at their most vulnerable, when under attack in the family home,” Senator Payne said.

In a statement, Senator Payne said it is up to the government to help break the endemic cycle of family violence across the west.

“Domestic violence is an issue for families across Western Sydney, indeed across australia. the vision of the Coalition’s 12-year strategy is for women and children to live free from violence.

“It is the responsibility of all, government and community, to help break the cycle, and we are also providing additional resources to help teachers, parents and students learn more about respectful relationships,” she said.

Some of the counselling and frontline services which will receive extra funding from the government under the package include 1800RESPECT and mensline.

Recently, the government launched a $30 million national campaign to change young people’s attitudes to women and violence. All up there have been more than 32 million online views of the television ads with the campaign website receiving more than 400,000 views.

Senator Payne now holds the defence portfolio, but has worked previously as Minister for Human Services. She said no matter how much or how little we put in, we can all make a difference in ending the domestic violence epidemic.

“Previously as Minister for Human Services I worked with the Department of Human Services to start the ENOUGH programme in the department, to support both staff and customers who are experiencing family violence.

From day one, the positive feedback and up take was clear.In al lwalks of life we can try to make a difference,” Senator Payne said.

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