Government announced $4 million for 1800RESPECT

On 17 May 2015, the Minster for Social Services, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, announced an extra $4 million investment in 1800RESPECT to provide support to women in need.

Minister Morrison noted that this additional investment ‘reflects the fact that keeping women and children safe from violence is a national priority for the Coalition Government.’

‘The service was facing increased demand and the Government is responding to ensure we are able to assist those women who need it’ Minister Morrison said.
1800RESPECT is Australia’s first national, professional online and telephone counselling service to assist individuals who have experienced or are at risk of domestic and family violence and/ or sexual assault, as well as their family and friends. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Minister Cash noted that increased media coverage of the issue and courageous ambassadors such as Rosie Batty, has initiated a national conversation about violence against women that continues to gain momentum.

‘With more victims speaking out about this scourge and seeking help to escape such violence, we are responding accordingly with appropriate resourcing’ Minister Cash said.

This extra funding builds on previous and ongoing funding to 1800RESPECT and the suite of current policy initiatives to address the issue of violence against women in Australia.

Total funding committed to the continued delivery of 1800RESPECT under the Second Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 (to 30 June 2017) is $33.5 million.

A link to the joint media release is available on the Hon Scott Morrison MP’s website.