YWCA Canberra has welcomed the commitment, announced today at a
pre-budget announcement by Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, to strengthen support for children impacted by domestic and family violence.
The ACT Government has committed $300,000 a year for four years to support the recruitment and retention of two specialist children and young person support officers within YWCA Canberra’s Domestic Violence Support Service.
This announcement is in response to the increasing number of women with children who front up to our domestic violence support service for help. In 2023, YWCA Canberra supported 203 children. That number increased to 254 in 2024, with the most significant growth seen among toddler-aged children. Children who live with violence often have their own unique risk profile and therapeutic needs. This investment will mean YWCA Canberra is able to provide holistic support to both children and mothers in one setting.
YWCA Canberra CEO, Frances Crimmins, said the funding marks a turning point in how we respond to children living with violence.
“We know children are not just witnesses to domestic violence but that they are victim-survivors in their own right. Until now, we’ve lacked the dedicated resources and funding to meet their unique needs directly. This funding will allow us to provide age-appropriate, trauma-informed support that acknowledges and addresses the lasting impacts of violence on children,” Frances Crimmins, YWCA Canberra CEO stated
The announcement aligns with the ACT Government’s commitment under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022–2032, which centres children’s voices and lived experiences. It also responds to key findings from the 2021 report Now You Have Heard Us, What Will You Do? developed by the ACT Family Safety Hub and the ACT Children and Young People Commissioner which called for specialist workers trained in child-centred, trauma-informed support.
YWCA Canberra acknowledges the role of Dr Marisa Paterson MLA in championing this important investment and ensuring that the needs of children are prioritised in responses to family and domestic violence.
About YWCA Canberra
YWCA Canberra is a feminist not-for-profit organisation that has been providing community services and advocating for gender equality in the ACT since 1929. We work across early childhood education and care, housing and homelessness, youth services, women’s leadership, and advocacy. Our mission is to strengthen communities by supporting women, young people, and families through inclusive and innovative programs.
YWCA Canberra media contact: Eleanor Sander O’Hearn
Executive Director Communications Advocacy and Engagement
eleanor.sanderohearn@ywca-canberra.org.au
0475 240 101