A NSW initiative offering women and children a carpark in which to sleep overnight as respite from domestic violence and homelessness, has been labelled “heartbreaking”. Homelessness and domestic violence service Nova for Women and Children , based in Newcastle, began referring women to the pilot program in April. “Looking for somewhere safer to sleep in your car a few nights a week?” a poster for the event reads.
Domestic violence is preventable and there needs to be a greater focus on disrupting the cycle of abuse early, Premier Chris Minns will say, when he unveils details of the four-year funding plan on Monday. The emergency package was promised after NSW cabinet met last week to hear from experts in the field as governments around the nation grapple with how to prevent the rising tide of violence against women.