More Aboriginal women and children will have access to safe accommodation after the Liberal National Government contributed more than $6 million to double the capacity of the Wooree Miya Women's Refuge.
A refurbishment of the metropolitan service now accommodates up to 10 women and 30 children in crisis or escaping family and domestic violence.
Opening the facility today, Premier Colin Barnett said the new refuge would provide a safe environment with independent living for Aboriginal women and children.
"The new facility, run by the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Service, provides enhanced and expanded services to respond to the complex needs of vulnerable women and children," Mr Barnett said.
"Specialist services, including counselling, health services, childhood development support and training and education, will be provided on-site to clients in a safe and confidential environment."
The refurbishment of the facility was made possible thanks to $5.77 million of capital works funding from the Housing Authority and an additional $375,000 in recurrent funding, taking the Department for Child Protection and Family Support's commitment to the service to more than $1 million a year. Lotterywest contributed $1.3 million for the service's fit-out and information technology.
Child Protection Minister Andrea Mitchell said there was a significant over representation of Aboriginal women and children as victims of family and domestic violence.
"The upgraded Wooree Miya Women's Refuge facility provides an opportunity to respond holistically to the needs of vulnerable women and children, and provide a pathway forward to meeting their complex physical, social, economic and emotional needs," Ms Mitchell said.
"The Liberal National Government is committed to working with the community services sector to strengthen responses and raise awareness in the community that family and domestic violence is unacceptable.
"Everyone deserves the right to live free from abuse, and we are continually developing and refining our services to achieve better outcomes for vulnerable women and children."
The refuge expansion project was a joint venture between the Department for Child Protection and Family Support, the Housing Authority, Lotterywest and the Indigenous Land Corporation.
Fact File
In 2015-16, 38% of clients accessing specialist homelessness services sought assistance as a result of experiencing family and domestic violence
If you are experiencing family and domestic violence or concerned about becoming violent or abusive, contact the State-wide 24-hour helplines of the Women's Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 007 339 or the Men's Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 000 599
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Child Protection Minister's office - 6552 5400
