Domestic violence services under threat

Vital legal services for sufferers of domestic violence are under threat. Join our campaign to demand this government overturns these cuts that threaten women’s lives. Last week I visited the Gold Coast Community Legal Centre, one of over 190 free legal centres around Australia. These centres help women and children fleeing domestic violence, and provide vital advice to the broader community in areas like family law, housing, welfare and domestic violence orders. They do it all on a shoestring budget. From 1 July, the government will cut 30% of community legal centre funding, ripping out more than $34 million over three years. Some services are already shedding experienced staff. Malcolm Turnbull claims to support action on domestic violence, but at the same time his government is cutting funding. This hypocrisy will cost lives, so it’s time to demonstrate our disappointment. SIGN PETITION The Turnbull-Joyce Government has talked a lot about domestic violence. But talk is cheap – and they haven’t put their money where their mouth is. They have been ignoring calls from the community, domestic violence campaigners and The Greens to provide long-term, secure funding to these essential services. In just a few months, this huge 30% cut will mean staff at Community Legal Centres around the country face redundancy, and women and children will be stranded in their hour of need. We need your help to stop Turnbull’s hypocrisy. SIGN PETITION Our specialist women’s domestic violence and sexual assault services need long-term, secure funding. At the last election, the Greens called for a $5 billion, 10 year commitment to fund frontline services. Stand with us to stop these disastrous cuts to frontline services so they can continue to prevent sufferers of domestic violence falling through the cracks. Senator Larissa Waters Australian Greens Deputy Leader & spokesperson for women