Aitchison criticises NSW government over need for more crisis accommodation for domestic violence victims

She has criticised the state government for not providing enough crisis beds across the state to cater for victims of domestic and family violence.

Ms Aitchison, who is also the opposition spokesperson for the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault, took aim at Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Pru Goward last week after Ms Goward appeared unable to answer questions about bed reductions in her electorate of Goulburn during a NSW government Budget Estimates hearing.

Ms Aitchison said 2014 reforms by the Baird Government had resulted in fewer crisis accommodation places for domestic violence victims across the state.

“I am hearing the same story across the Hunter and across the state,” she said.

“I have made representations to both Minister [Brad] Hazzard and Minister [Pru] Goward calling for more accommodation. 

“I would expect that the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence should have done the same for her electorate, at least.”

Fairfax Media reported last week that Maitland-based Domestic Violence NSW chair Jan McDonald, who operates Carrie’s Place refuge, said the shortfall of crisis accommodation was endangering women and children.

Ms McDonald told Fairfax Media the government had not delivered enough much-needed resources for service providers. She said the shortfall increased the likelihood that victims would return to unsafe homes.

Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures show that 520 domestic violence-related incidents were reported to police in the Maitland area between April, 2015 and March, 2016.