A new Domestic Violence Prevention and Recovery Hub will be established in Adelaide’s south, delivering on a state government election commitment.

The southern hub will provide a place of connection and support to women experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence in the southern metropolitan area.

The hub will be run by Southern Community Justice Services SA as the lead coordinating agency, and will be located within the Can:Do organisation’s space at Colonnades Shopping Centre, Noarlunga. 

The hub has been established with valuable engagement from key stakeholders in the region including the Southern Domestic Violence Action Group.

This site was identified in consultation with key local stakeholders for being accessible, safe, and secure for women, while also enabling co-location with important services based within and close to the centre.

In addition to core DV prevention and recovery supports, the hub is also set to provide health and counselling services to women through the co-location of Yarrow Place and Cedar Health Services, services within the Women’s and Children’s Health Network.

It is expected the hub will be up and running by the end of the year.

There are 10 women’s safety hubs operating across regional South Australia, including one at Goolwa.

The state government says it will increase funding for the hubs through the National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses.

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Katrine Hildyard says it is crucial to utilise every available legislative and other effort to tackle the horrific scourge of domestic violence.

“Women’s organisations have often expressed that while they can connect women to services at a time of acute crisis, it is crucial to also connect women with support before they reach that acute crisis point. 

“Our hub in the south will provide this vital contact point for support.

“It is a step forward that will help ensure women are not turned away when seeking help and a step forward that will increase community capacity to raise awareness and promote the role that everyone can play in helping to prevent domestic violence.”