Hon Carmel Sepuloni
Minister for Social Development
Hon Tracey Martin
Minister for Children
Hon Jan Logie
Under-Secretary to the Minister of Justice on Domestic and Sexual Violence Issues PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT

09 May 2018
Significant funding boost for family violence services

Social services dealing most directly with the harm caused by family violence will get much-needed support as the Government boosts funding to frontline agencies for the first time in ten years.

“Nearly half of those receiving the increase are women’s refuges who provide vital support keeping women and children safe,” says Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni.

“The nearly 30 percent increase in funding is critical to the Government’s efforts to turn around New Zealand’s tragic family violence record.

“Additional funding in 2019/20 will enable these critical frontline agencies to expand into areas where there isn’t currently any support, and start addressing rising demand for existing services.

“Family violence has a damaging, yet often hidden, impact on victims' lives, including their ability to work and lead a normal life,” says Carmel Sepuloni.

Through Budget 2018, the Government is allocating an additional $76.157 million over four years to support the delivery of Ministry of Social Development-funded family violence services for victims, perpetrators and their families.

“This funding will provide a boost to around 150 providers of family violence services nationwide,” says Carmel Sepuloni.

Jan Logie, Under-Secretary to the Minister of Justice on Domestic and Sexual Violence Issues, also welcomes the new funding.

“This funding is an important first step, supporting organisations that do vital work but have been stretched to breaking point,” says Jan Logie.

“As we start the broader work of challenging and responding to family and sexual violence, it’s crucial that victims and their families can to get the support they need now. They can’t wait.”

There is a need to shift the focus of family violence funding, says Carmel Sepuloni.

Minister for Children Tracey Martin said Budget 2018 funding would have an impact right across New Zealand.

“The announcement delivers on the Coalition Agreement between Labour and New Zealand First to increase funding in this area,” Tracey Martin said.

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