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

In addition to making sure that we deal with the issues of prevention, we are also making sure that the main frontline responders are showing real leadership. We want to stand by the states and the territories to make sure that we work with them to strengthen their response actions, whether it be with services or whether it be with law enforcement.

One example of the kinds of actions that we think are really, really important and we continue to be committed to is the funding of the 1800RESPECT phone line. This has become an absolute central pillar of the assistance that we give to women, and sometimes to men, when they are confronted with a situation of domestic violence—to make sure that 24 hours a day, seven days a week, anybody who is confronted with a situation of domestic violence can pick up the phone and make a phone call and speak to someone who can assist them, in making sure that they can give them the support and direction to deal with the issue that is before them.