Related coverage: Domestic violence SOS
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FORSTER has been identified as one of eight hotspots in NSW where services for women escaping domestic violence are lacking.
A new campaign, headed by the Save Our Women’s Services (SOS) group, has identified towns in NSW where there is a high need for women’s refuges and where current services are falling short or need certainty.
Other hotspot towns include Port Stephens, Rockdale, Marrickville, Lismore, Cooma, Campbelltown and Bega.
SOS spokeswoman Roxanne McMurray said Forster was identified as a hotspot because of no local, adequate services for women escaping domestic violence and the uncertainty surrounding the takeover of the Taree refuge.
“We’ve looked closely at the new services that are now operating across NSW and these hotspots have issues including no 24/7 service, staff numbers being drastically cut or long distances to the closest refuge,” she said.
“Greater Taree Council recently passed a motion requesting information from the new providers but still have no details about its operations.
“The minister says there have been no losses but the loss of expertise built up over 40 years has decimated services and many people believe the dismantling of the women’s refuge network is a major step back into the past.”