Currently, front-line domestic violence services are chronically underfunded across the country. 

The federal government last year spent over $42 billion on defense.

They plan to spend over $350 billion on submarines.

Last year, all governments and territories (federal and state) spent only $4.1 billion on frontline domestic violence services.

Unfortunately, the greatest threat to women in this country does not come from a foreign power or a terrorist organization.

The greatest threat to Australian women's safety comes from violent Australian men, often in our own homes.

There have been endless surveys, reports, inquiries, but still, the rates of domestic violence and deaths of women do not go down.

A big part of the problem is the chronic and tenuous underfunding of frontline domestic violence services in Australia.

It is time for the Federal Government to immediately, adequately, and generously fund frontline services.

Domestic violence is the leading preventable cause of death and illness of women aged 18 to 44 in Australia (ANROWS, 2016.)

Domestic and family violence is also the leading cause of homelessness amongst women in Australia.

Frontline domestic violence services are seriously underfunded in this country. 

Thousands of calls to the 1800 Respect line go unanswered. In December 2020, the domestic violence support line received 27,200 calls, with around 1,470 going unanswered. 

Getting a place in one of the shelters can be very difficult as there is a much greater demand than supply. 

According to the Women's Community Shelters Organisation, more than one in two women across Australia who seek a bed in a crisis shelter are turned away every night, mostly due to lack of space. 

In many places around Australia, Safe At Home programs cannot be accessed by many women experiencing domestic abuse.

We are calling on the Federal government of this country to step up to protect Australian women and immediately substantially increased long-term funding to frontline domestic violence services.