Domestic Violence

Ms HILDYARD (Reynell) (14:44): My question is to the Minister for the Status of Women. How is the government supporting women affected by domestic violence?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:44): I pass on my thanks to the member for Reynell for this important question. I am pleased to inform the house about the Women's Education Program funded by the Office for Women and delivered through a collaboration between the Central and Limestone Coast Domestic Violence Services and TAFE SA.

I want to thank our specialist services for their involvement in this program. It was personalised to support those affected by domestic violence to achieve their learning and personal development goals. Preventing domestic and family violence requires forward thinking and sustained effort to achieve positive social change. We know that women in abusive relationships, particularly those with children, struggle to maintain control as their partner undermines their capacity to make decisions. Fear and reliance on the abusive partner complicates a woman's decision to leave an abusive relationship.

With this in mind, the Women's Education Program was personalised to support the women to heal, improve their confidence and strive for excellence. The Women's Education Program won the Adult Learning Program of the Year as part of the 2016 Adult Learners Week. I have previously spoken in this house about the effects of domestic violence. We remain committed to ending this cycle of abuse and its effects on children and young people.

Seventeen women participated in the Women's Education Program, and I am pleased to advise that all graduates have either enrolled in further study or are pursuing further study, including two women who are currently exploring pathways to tertiary education. The women completed their studies in a confidential learning environment with support from a TAFE SA lecturer and a domestic violence caseworker. This program was successful in improving the participants' communication skills, financial literacy and time management. Equally as important are the flow-on benefits of this program, because improving women's access to education and employment is a win for their children, their families and a win for South Australia.

I congratulate all graduates and commend them for taking control of their futures. Our government understands that addressing violence against women, and indeed gender inequality requires much more than one-off sporadic initiatives. That is why we have committed to continue our efforts to involve women's economic status through our blueprint, Investing in Women's Futures. Ending violence against women remains a true focus for this government, and I am pleased to advise the house that next week our Premier will lead a South Australian delegation to the COAG summit against domestic violence.