A new women’s shelter in Sydney’s west will provide support for women who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Haven is a new Women’s Community Shelters facility in Penrith that will provide a critical service to women and their children who are escaping domestic violence and help them to rebuild their lives.
Women’s Community Shelters provide short-term emergency accommodation in a safe environment, which includes access to counselling, health care, legal assistance, further education and employment opportunities.
The NSW Government has committed $2.8 million over two years to establish and operate shelters in Sydney and regional NSW. There are now 82 refuges operating across NSW.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward said the government would continue to increase the number of refuges in regional NSW.
“This will enable women and their children to still be closely supported by the specialist service while also providing a stronger sense of privacy and greater sense of independence,” Ms Goward said.