On the eve of White Ribbon Day, Federal Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer visited Bunbury, just days after announcing the government’s $109 million Women’s Economic Security Statement.
The initiative aims to support rural and regional women to give them greater choices about their lives and help them to build financial security for themselves and families.
MP Ms O’Dwyer, said when women did well, so did their families, economies and communities.
“One of the great barriers for women achieving financial security is those women who are at risk or who have experienced domestic violence, the statistics in Australia are pretty shocking,” she said.
“I do think it’s something we need to talk about a lot more.”
Ms O’Dwyer said there was no question that domestic violence was a huge priority for the government.
“We know there is no one silver bullet but we’re providing a range of mechanisms to help women in those situations,” she said.