Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

(—) (): Senator Stoker asks a very serious question, because we know that major crisis events have, historically, led to an increased incidence of violence against women. As senators would be aware, the government has announced—Minister Ruston and I—$150 million in support for the COVID-19 domestic violence support package, funding that will help states and territories to meet immediate needs for crisis accommodation, frontline services and perpetrator intervention programs. And we've seen a number of those rolled out and announced by the states and territories in that context. To ensure that Australians know where to turn for support, we have also launched the Help is Here campaign, which provides that clear information on how Australians are able to access services at any time of the day or night. There are indicators of a greater need for services, most certainly. 1800 RESPECT has seen an increase in calls, particularly after midnight. The No to Violence Men's Referral Service experienced a very significant increase in demand after those community restrictions were announced. (Time expired)