In Bendigo to make the announcement yesterday, Premier Denis Napthine said family violence was "a scourge on our society'' and the funding would allow Annie North to plan and build a new, safe secure facility for families who are victims of family violence.

The importance of community support is paramount to operations at the Annie North Women’s Refuge. After only three months, the refuge is having a positive impact on the lives of women and children who need a safe space after they flee an abusive partner.

FOLLOWING the alleged murder of Eurydice Dixon in Melbourne, the chief executive of Annie North Women’s Refuge has called on the community to remember the other victims of violence against women. “The statistics are clear that most violence against women is in the home or within the family from someone they know, and it’s usually a male,” Ms Oberin said.

Women and children escaping family violence will now have access to a new secure refuge in regional Victoria that will keep them safe, while also providing the crucial transitional support services they need. Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan, Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and family violence workers to officially open the new $3 million Annie North Women’s Refuge.

THE idea for a cluster women’s refuge in Bendigo has been around for 15 years. Annie North chief executive officer Julie Oberin first saw the model operating in Adelaide and could immediately see the benefits it could bring to central Victoria.