The Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program has extended to Armidale, Uralla and Walcha LGAs. TFSS will be coordinating the program locally.

The SHLV program supports women to leave a violent and/or abusive partner, and safely reside in their current home or a residence of their choosing.

TFSS CEO Belinda Kotris said that many families can experience homelessness after having to quickly leave a violent partner.

“The program helps women stay locally, with already established support networks.

TFSS has established partnerships with local service providers, NSW Police and Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) New England Police District.

To be eligible for SHLV you need to be separated from a violent partner, 18 years and over, be with or without children, and have stable accommodation or plans to move to stable accommodation.

TFSS Domestic Violence Service Manager Lynda Townsend has coordinated the Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) since 2016.

“Our team has done some incredible work helping women escape very dangerous situations.”

Ongoing safety planning, safety audits, safety upgrades, support during court proceedings, and information and referral to other services (including counselling and other TFSS programs).

TFSS already has pre-established connections with local certified security providers, which staff use to make urgent security upgrades to homes.

For more information about the SHLV program, or to make a referral, please call 1800 073 388. This number is free to call.