Australia is experiencing an epidemic of family violence. The instability created by the pandemic has increased women's vulnerability to all forms of domestic abuse. Since the start of the pandemic, nearly 20% of women in long-term relationships experienced intimate partner abuse for the first time.

Women’s Health Centers across NSW are struggling to cope with the increased demand from women escaping domestic violence.

This is why we are calling on the NSW government to provide $22.25 million in funding to all Women’s Health Centres across NSW.

The increased demand for domestic violence services is not being met by current funding. Funding for support services has barely increased in 30 years and Women's Health Centres across New South Wales are at the brink.

Women’s Health Centres provide front line healthcare and domestic violence support services to vulnerable and at-risk women and children. These services include counselling, reproductive healthcare and legal support.

With the NSW budget coming up, we are asking the State Government to affirm their commitment to gender-based violence by adequately funding these vital services.

Family and domestic violence costs the NSW government over $7 billion each year. This additional funding can empower women to rebuild their lives while saving tax-payer money that would otherwise be spent on hospital care, chronic unemployment and emergency mental health care.

Sign this petition and add your name to the growing chorus demanding long overdue funding of life saving services for our community.

Learn more about this Women's Health NSW initiative by visiting our website and following us on Facebook and Instagram.