Motels refuge for DV victims

paul.weston@news.com.au violence by supporting them during what can be an incredibly stressful and destabilising time.

“Community groundswell and strong leadership has helped bring domestic and family violence out from behind closed doors.

“This has meant more and more women are seeking help, which places additional pressure on existing services.”

The demand for the crisis accommodation has increased 240 per cent in the past 12 months after 9000 women and 13,393 children tried to escape domestic violence.

The women and their families are kept in the motels for three or four days before being sent to a refuge if space is available, creating a bill for the taxpayer of more than $1 million.

Opposition prevention of domestic violence spokesperson Ros Bates believes Labor has given “too little too late” to domestic violence victims.

“Two weeks ago the Minister was claiming credit for tough new domestic violence laws introduced by the LNP that Labor voted against,” Ms Bates said.

“Labor shouldn’t come to the Gold Coast unless they can answer for the fact there has been no new investment in crisis shelters for the last two years.

“Victims are being forced into dodgy motels at record levels as victims continue to wait months in the courts for orders.”