New refuge opened by Tamworth Family Support Services, but domestic violence problem grows

Opened by Tamworth Family Support Services, it has been set up as a family home, which is something services manager for homelessness and domestic violence Lynda Townsend said was important.

"This particular residence is actually set up as a family home as opposed to being a communal living area, we have ensuite bathrooms, there are combined living areas but private bedrooms," she said.

"It provides that family home environment rather than your typical refuges, which is a little bit clinical at times."

The property has three bedrooms, an outdoor section and a herb garden. The outside area was set up free of charge by Bunnings Tamworth.

It will act as an overflow to the existing refuge, and Ms Townsend said it was crucial to have as much space as possible available, as the issue of domestic violence continues to grow.

Some crisis accommodation wait lists are more than three months long, and they are getting longer every day, she said.

Coronavirus has only made the situation worse, which is why those at the support service are so pleased to have been able to open the new refuge.

"COVID-19 has had a significant impact on domestic and family violence, as we know the rates are increasing considerably, and one of the things we've seen as an organisation is the increasing severity of that violence," Ms Townsend said.

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The support service has been able to purchase the building, and did so with the help of a $316,005 grant from the NSW government.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said he was pleased the new refuge is opening, but it's crucial to continue funding the fight against domestic violence.

"It's really important that we continue to provide the services that our community needs," he said.

"And here we've got Tamworth Family Support Services along with other agencies that are doing everything they can to protect women and children.

"Today, we're seeing another great initiative on behalf of Tamworth Family Support Services about providing accommodation for women and children when they need to escape violence and find a safe place."

He acknowledged there is a lot more work to be done, with the supply not keeping up with demand. Mr Anderson has also shown interest in building or purchasing medium density housing such as multi-storey buildings, or villas, to help battle the issue.

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