A pamphlet offering women and children fleeing domestic violence a “safe car park” to sleep in is causing Australians to despair about the state of the nation.
Nova, a referral service in the New South Wales city of Newcastle for women and children escaping domestic violence, has published leaflets asking women who sleep in their vehicles if they are “looking for a safer place to sleep.” in his car a few nights a week.
The brochure advises that the pilot project will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from April to June, with the car park offering food and drink, showers, toilets, laundry, kitchen, television and lounge. Those with dogs are also accepted.
A notice advertising a secure car park where those fleeing domestic violence can sleep in the New South Wales city of Newcastle has sparked widespread shock and anger.
The service that manages the parking has not been named as a security measure and Nova will evaluate applicants before recommending them.
“We are encouraged by the enthusiastic response from our community (both locally and nationally) to share support options for women who need a space to sleep,” Nova said in a statement about the pilot project.
“We certainly do not see this pilot project as a housing solution, but rather as a response to the immediate crisis our region is currently experiencing.”
Kelly Hansen, chief executive of Nova, told Nine newspapers that the shelter in the car park became necessary due to Australia’s housing “crisis”.
“Women sleeping in their cars is not a solution for housing, but we have no other answer,” he said.
The sign advertising the valet parking service was shared widely online and caused social media users to react with shock and outrage.
“This is so fucking sad,” one person wrote in a comment on the Don’t Rent Me Facebook page.
“The fact that something like this has to be offered makes my heart hurt,” said another.
“I think people have no idea how many are still in abusive relationships because there is no alternative but to sleep in a car,” another comment reads.
Some saw it as a tragic sign of what Australia has become.
“It is a critical and embarrassing point for this country,” one person commented.
‘While I am very pleased that these services are available, I am very disappointed that we are here.
‘We are approaching the United States very quickly. The gap between gender, income and education is getting out of control.
“It’s not the Australia I was raised to love – I wish we didn’t have anyone sleeping in cars.”
Other commentators called on the government to do more.
‘Why isn’t our government doing something about this urgently?!’ asked another.
The Albanian government has offered $5,000 to women fleeing domestic violence (file image)
‘I work in storage and I have a lot of clients who come in and store their possessions and then lose it all because they are homeless and can’t pay.
‘It breaks my heart when we have to auction off his things.
‘We do everything we can to help them, but at the end of the day we are as helpless as they are. Surely there is something the government can do about it.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Wednesday that female victims of domestic violence will receive up to $5,000 and be helped access services, as the government responds to a recent rise in domestic violence deaths.
Payment to Leave Violence aims to help those who would otherwise be financially trapped to stay with an abusive partner.
“Those who qualify will be able to access up to $5,000 in financial support along with referral services, risk assessments and safety planning,” Mr Albanese said.
“This commitment builds on the measures implemented by our government to help address financial barriers to escaping violence.”
Domestic violence survivor and advocate Rosie Batty welcomed an extension of emergency financial support but raised concerns regarding barriers around eligibility and access.
She said women are at greater risk of violence and homicide when they leave a violent relationship, and urged more federal and state resources for recovery and healing.
“I appreciate that this is an important request that the government has heard, but what I would enforce is that I hope that this payment is easily accessible and provided without the victim having to prove it or go through an extensive screening process that will ultimately “it re-traumatizes her.” ‘ said Mrs Batty.
‘Ultimately, leaving a violent relationship is a long recovery. “We need to realize that violence doesn’t necessarily stop just because you leave.”