Anglicare receives $1.468 million to construct apartments for families escaping domestic violence

The major boost for improving suitable accommodation for victims of domestic violence is part of a $60m commitment as part of the Morrison government's Safe Places Initiative.

Capricornia MP and Children and Families Assistant Minister Michelle Landry said the development would offer survivors of domestic violence with stable, short term and self contained apartments while they are given assistance to move on safely with their lives.

"Unfortunately, it's a tragic reality that family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children in our community," Ms Landry said.

"These new accommodation units will not only ensure they have somewhere safe to sleep, but will also provide access to specialist support services to help them rebuild their lives from violence."

AnglicareCQ will construct three, three bedroom units and one two bedroom unit in Rockhampton, which will provide refuge for about 44 local women and their children each year for an average stay of 13 weeks.

AnglicareCQ CEO Carol Godwin welcomed the funding commitment and said it was a crucial step forward in helping women to safely escape from violent partners.

"AnglicareCQ is committed to providing safe accommodation and wraparound support to women and children who need it," Ms Godwin said.

"This funding, and the opportunity to partner through the Safe Places Initiative, will generate a vital community resource to provide families with a sanctuary of safety and healing."

AnglicareCQ housing and homelessness manager Adam Klaproth said domestic and family violence is on the increase in the Rockhampton region and this accommodation would offer a safe haven for families to recover.

"We've got a real opportunity here to design an appropriate space for the women and children to recover," Mr Klaproth said.

"I think it is a hard enough decision for people to move away from perpetrators and this accommodation gives them a safe haven to be able to do that and allow us to wrap the supports around them that they need to begin their new life.

"We're hoping to get started in early 2021 for the actual construction and plan to have the development finished by June 2022."

The Safe Places Initiative will help about 6000 women and children each year in Australia, and is part of the federal government's $340 million investment in the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022.