Steve Whan
Member for Monaro

MEDIA RELEASE

Whan welcomes 'Staying Home Leaving Violence' program coming to Snowy Monaro

Monday, 12 May 2025

Member for Monaro Steve Whan says the provision of a new 'Staying Home Leaving Violence' program for Snowy Monaro is an important step in providing better outcomes for women and children escaping domestic violence.

Steve Whan said "I was delighted that the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, the Hon Jodie Harrison MP, announced on Saturday that Monaro Family Support Service had been awarded a contract to deliver the program.

"Staying Home Leaving Violence is a very successful program which originally started in Bega, but has not been available all over the State.

"The fundamental premise is that working in conjunction with local police, the perpetrator is removed from the home, while victim-survivors receive safety planning, security upgrades at properties where required, financial planning assistance and help navigating complex legal processes.

"This is about keeping women and children connected to their families, friends, schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods. People should not be forced to abandon these vital connections to escape a violent situation.

"I have been aware of this program for many years and when the Premier announced a major increase in resourcing to try to tackle domestic and family violence, I lobbied the local Minister to get Cooma and the Snowy Monaro included. And to make sure the Snowy Monaro would be serviced by a locally based provider.

"I am pleased that such a good and well-known local provider as Monaro Family Support has been successful in getting this contract.

"The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build a safer New South Wales is addressing domestic and family violence from all angles, from boosting crisis response, strengthening bail laws, and focusing on earlier intervention and primary prevention."

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police and Triple Zero / 000. If you or someone you know if experience domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 day a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.