Budget fact sheets 2006 - Increased funding to support families affected by family violence
The Government is investing $9 million over the next four years to increase support for people affected by family violence.
This additional funding, which represents a 20 percent increase, is the first step in the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families’ programme to improve family violence prevention.
Each year police deal with more than 45,000 calls relating to family violence, involving more than 200,000 people. The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services receives about 55,000 referrals for suspected child abuse and neglect. Between two and five percent of older New Zealanders are likely to experience abuse or neglect.
Funding will be increased for a range of family violence prevention and support services including 24-hour crisis lines, counselling, social work support, safe-house accommodation, advocacy and information.
The additional funding for providers of family violence prevention and support services will ease pressure on providers from increased demand.
Increased funding for services will contribute to reducing family violence by improving access to family violence service providers.
The funding will be administered through Child, Youth and Family ($8.2 million over four years) and through the Ministry of Social Development’s Family and Community Services ($0.8m over four years).
This budget initiative demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthen families and help them raise healthy and confident children.
