Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Van for his question about our commitment to preventing, addressing and, ultimately, ending domestic violence in Australia against women and their children.

This is a major issue for all Australians, but, sadly, at this time of year the evidence, through the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research and the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency, shows the number of incidents of domestic violence often and nearly always do spike over the Christmas and new year period. And it's a very important reminder that at this time it is absolutely crucial that people who need the support of our government and of the services that are provided know those services are there, and for us to be able to support them.

Under the fourth action plan against ending violence against women and their children, we have committed an unprecedented amount of money; $340 million has been allocated towards this absolutely crucial and vital service for Australians who are in particularly difficult circumstances. One very important part of this service is actually the 1800RESPECT line. This is the national sexual assault and family and domestic violence counselling service. It's free, and it's available as a counselling service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service provides support for people who are experiencing or are at risk of sexual assault, for their families and for other members who are impacted by an incident of domestic violence. It also supports survivors who have experienced abuse in the past, their family members and family members of other people who've been subjected to domestic violence.

During this time when many of us are celebrating with our families and friends, we also need to make sure that the support services are available to victims of domestic violence. We need to supply the services and to support these people in their times of need. We absolutely have to move towards zero tolerance of violence against women.