Domestic and family violence is a significant issue in the Murrumbidgee region of New South Wales, Australia, mirroring national and international concerns about gender-based violence. Generally, there are known barriers associated with providing domestic and family violence (DFV) services in rural and remote communities; however, little research has considered the specific service needs and service barriers in the after-hours period. This is crucial. The already limited rural and remote services available during business hours are further constricted in the after-hours period. This article reports on research about after-hours service need and service challenges in six target communities in the Murrumbidgee region.
One super fund’s efforts to properly serve remote Indigenous customers sparked a national change – which has helped women fleeing domestic violence and those who’ve lost everything in a flood or fire.