House of Assembly Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Question Time Northern Domestic Violence Prevention and Recovery Hub Northern Domestic Violence Prevention and Recovery Hub Mrs PEARCE House of Assembly King Northern Domestic Violence Prevention and Recovery Hub Mrs PEARCE (King) (15:10): My question is to the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. Can the minister update the house on the establishment of a northern domestic violence prevention and recovery hub? The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD House of Assembly Reynell Minister for Child Protection Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Northern Domestic Violence Prevention and Recovery Hub The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD (Reynell—Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:11): Thank you very much to the member for both her question and for her enduring commitment to helping to prevent and eradicate violence against women in all of its forms. The establishment of a northern domestic violence prevention and recovery hub is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to help address domestic violence in every corner of our community. The northern Multi-Agency Hub, led by Women's Safety Services South Australia and South Australia Police, marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey toward creating safer communities free from violence. By providing a collaborative response to domestic violence through prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery and healing, the northern hub will serve as an aligned and specialist service for both individuals and families. The hub is made possible through the commitment of our government to establish both a southern and northern domestic violence prevention and recovery hub. The southern safety hub, The Yellow Gate, was launched in December 2023. Located strategically in the heart of the northern suburbs is this northern domestic violence hub, which will become operational this month. It will extend its reach to encompass the communities around Playford, Salisbury, Gawler, Barossa, Light and Mallala. Operated on a referral or appointment basis, the northern hub will service as a centralised point of access for a wide range of services. Most referrals are expected to flow through channels such as the DV crisis lines, SAPOL, the DV Disclosure Scheme and Women's Safety Services outreach programs, ensuring that those who need assistance can promptly and effectively access that assistance. The services offered at the northern hub are diverse and comprehensive, reflecting our strong commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges of domestic violence in a coordinated way. From immediate safety responses and safety management strategies to accommodation intake, the northern hub is equipped to provide tailored support to meet the unique needs of each individual person. The inclusion of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme within the hub's offerings underscores our dedication to empowering individuals with the information that they need to make informed decisions about their safety, and also to take the steps forward that they choose to take. Additionally, the commitment to this hub from South Australia Police in the presence of onsite police officers will facilitate the reporting process, ensuring that survivors have access to justice and protection alongside support services that empower them to take those important steps forward. At the core of our commitment to these hubs lies the principle of collaboration. By bringing together key stakeholders from various sectors, including legal, health and financial services, we aim to provide a holistic and streamlined response to the complex needs of survivors and their families. As we embark on this new chapter in our journey to address domestic violence, I expect that these hubs will grow and evolve to ensure that they respond directly to the needs of their particular community. I extend my gratitude to all who have contributed to the realisation of this vision, including the excellent Women's Safety Services' leadership and staff, SAPOL, and the Minister for Police. Together, we will continue to strive towards a future free from domestic violence where every individual can live a life of dignity, respect and safety.