Page 1367 - Week 05 - Thursday, 26 April 1990
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Government. It was only recently drawn to my attention. That $142,000, which in real terms, for full-year funding, was $238,000, would represent just about the whole of the SAAP funds for the year. It would embrace all the youth services and the rest. No separate provision was made in the budget. It was an assumption that SAAP would be available, and that creates acute problems at the moment.
MR BERRY (4.57): I must say that I am very pleased that the decision by the Leader of the Opposition to raise this issue as a matter of public importance has again flushed the Government out to at least make some comment in relation to the matter. We have heard some flowery and, I suspect, some mealy words in relation to this matter. Time will tell whether the Minister will deliver the goods in relation to the provision of services for those who suffer as a result of domestic violence.
The recognition of the widespread incidence of domestic violence in the community is still only new. I do not see any evidence that that recognition has really sunk in with members of the Government. I think it will require some commitment from them to overcome the problem for those who suffer as a result of domestic violence, whom services have not reached. Unfortunately, domestic violence has remained a hidden problem for too long. If history is any indication of what the future might hold for these people under this Government, it might be hidden for longer. There needs to be action, not words.
The attitude of society that women and children are the property of the male of the household persists whether we like it or not. This attitude totally undermines any attempts to improve the status of women. It was this attitude and its rejection which led to modern domestic violence Acts and the setting up of crisis services to give support to victims of domestic violence. That so many in the community are victims of domestic violence and that it occurs in all sectors of the community is a disgrace, and it is only now being revealed.
The myth that domestic violence occurs only amongst the poor is still widely believed. There is little doubt, Mr Speaker, that domestic violence occurs at all levels of society, in all cultural groups and at all ages. Older women are increasingly vulnerable. At a time when the population is ageing, it is crucial that we double efforts to fight this crime.
Domestic violence is an issue which some people would like to ignore and which some would prefer not to confront. But the issue has to be confronted by the people with the power to do it, and at this point in time it is the Government. The community requires action. Examples of women seeking help from neighbours only to find pleas for help unanswered are a further shame on society's view of this crime. That it is a crime is in no doubt. If one member of society attacks another in public, we are outraged; if it is done
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