28 Dec 2013

Funding declined for housing project

3:50 pm on 28 December 2013

Women's Refuge is disappointed the Ministry of Justice has declined a funding application for a housing project.

Spokesperson Kiri Hannafin said the organisation hoped to set up transitional housing support for young mothers or pregnant women, so they could live in safety.

She said a housing complex would provide what the women needed, including security, childcare, job training and medical help.

Ms Hannafin said Women's Refuge sought funding this year from a levy on offenders, but was refused by the ministry because many of the women involved are not registered as victims.

She said many young women who turn to Women's Refuge are too scared to contact the police.