Domestic violence victims get a Safer Pathway in Lake Macquarie

Domestic and family violence victims living in the Lake Macquarie Police District will now have a single contact point to access the support they need with the commencement of a new Safer Pathway site this month.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald MLC and Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper MP announced today that Safer Pathway will become operational this month with the first Safety Action Meeting (SAM) taking place on Wednesday March 21st at Belmont Police Station.

Created by the NSW Government, Safer Pathway puts the safety of victims and their children at the centre of the response.

Safer Pathway aims to ensure victims receive a consistent and effective response by bringing together local representatives including Police, Health, Corrections, Family and Community Services and Education along with local specialist non-government domestic and family violence services.

The NSW Government has committed more than $53 million over four years for Safer Pathway, with 43 SAM sites operating across NSW by the end of this month.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward said that agencies working together meant victims would no longer have to repeat their story multiple times.

"Safer Pathway creates a coordinated response where agencies work proactively to provide victims with the support they need," Ms Goward said.

Mr MacDonald welcomed the roll-out of Safer Pathway across the Lake Macquarie Police District which will help support victims of domestic violence and their children within the local community.

"Through government and non-government collaboration it will help build a clearer picture of a victim’s support needs to help ensure their safety," Mr MacDonald said.

"Lake Macquarie police deal with one of the highest numbers of domestic violence-related assaults in the State each year," Mr Piper said.

"This program will provide a better outcome for victims and a better structure for police and other agencies to support them."

For more information on Safer Pathway, visit the Women NSW website www.women.nsw.gov.au.