May 16, 2017

Redland’s Mayor Karen Williams is calling for the State Government to match the $220,000 raised locally to support those affected by domestic and family violence.

Written by Renee Borgeaud

Produced for online by Molly Houseman

She said the Redland community has come together to raise money and awareness for domestic violence victims but more needs to be done.

The funding will provide four shelters for families and individuals seeking refuge, with the Mayor calling on the government to partner with the council and match the amount raised.

“I’ve talked to both the Minister for Housing and the Minister for Communities, and we need to formalise that now and see if we can get that on the agenda,” Councillor Williams says.

Domestic and family violence affects more than 600 residents in the bay area.

Councillor Williams says crisis accommodation is crucial for the safety and well-being of victims.

“If we can break the cycle by removing them from those violent family homes and environments then we actually do start to break the cycle,” she says.

With a population of more than 150,000 and only seven crisis units across the bayside, crisis accommodation is in high demand.

Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Centre worker Trudy, says the accommodation is crucial for the safety and support of victims.

“Having more accommodation would be really really great, because there is such a lack of it, especially out in the Redlands,” she says.

The initiative has the support of State Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman, and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart.

The Councillor Williams says the community is helping make a huge difference and Redland’s residents continue to show their strong support.

“We’ve got a community that will grab these causes and get behind it, it’s a team effort it’s and individual effort, everybody needs to make a difference,” Councillor Williams says.

Plans have already been set for the money raised and $10,000 has been donated to Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Centre.

The remaining funds will go towards crisis accommodation.