DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (14:38): What measures, if any, is this government taking to provide adequate personal support for women who may not leave relationships in spite of abuse due to the fact that their partner is their full-time family carer?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (14:39): The campaigns that the Office for Women are particularly focused on are about community awareness in terms of the new rape and assault legislation and also the new domestic violence legislation. The sorts of activities that we are involved in and the community grants associated with those are very much focused on that community awareness and particularly enhancing respectful relationships between men and women, and particularly young men and women.

However, the Department for Families and Communities, as I said, is involved in undertaking a number of reforms in an effort to improve support for women with disabilities in a wide range of circumstances. I have listed some of them: the violence against women strategic plan; the domestic violence reform process; and also an improved statewide domestic violence gateway service. I have been advised that they are involved with consultation with a broad range of different stakeholders. Obviously, those advocacy groups, particularly those involving women with disabilities, and also their families and other key stakeholders, through that consultative process are identifying the key priority areas for future action and program activities.