Richmond Valley women and children receive support to stay home and leave violence

May 26, 2019 - PRLog -- With the Richmond Valley experiencing one of New South Wales' highest rates of domestic violence, an innovative program is being expanded to help women and children in the region to stay safe at home.

The not-for-profit group Momentum Collective has been awarded a three-year contract to deliver the NSW Government's Staying Home, Leaving Violence program, which focuses on keeping women and children in their homes, by removing the violence.

Virginia Walker, CEO of Momentum Collective, said domestic and family violence was one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children in Australia.

"When a woman decides to leave a violent relationship, it often means leaving the family home and moving away from support networks – friends, family, schools," Ms Walker said.

"Working with key agencies such as police and courts, this program helps women and families experiencing domestic violence to remain in their home and their community."

Sarah Walker, Director of Service Delivery for Momentum Collective, said hundreds of families in the region were affected by domestic and family violence each year.

"Last year, Momentum Collective helped more than 2,500 women and children from across Northern NSW who were escaping family and domestic violence and needed a new home or needed support to remain safely in their own home," Ms Walker said.

"Through the Staying Home, Leaving Violence program, we can provide women in the Richmond Valley with a range of support; such as improving home security, help in managing finances, support for their children and help to navigate the complicated legal process."

The free and voluntary service is for women aged over 18 years who have separated from a violent partner or family member, and who choose to remain in their own home.

For more information about Staying Home, Leaving Violence, contact Momentum Collective's office at Casino Neighbourhood Centre on (02) 6662 2898.