Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, today marked White Ribbon Day by making a donation of $500 to Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services.

“Carrie’s Place provides essential support and assistance to women and children in Maitland who are escaping from domestic and family violence”.

“Donations will allow Carrie’s Place to continue this important work.”

Carrie’s Place always welcomes donations of money, gift vouchers, non-perishable food items and personal care products. If you can help, Carrie’s Place can be contacted on 4934 2585.

Call for Regional Domestic Violence Specialist Court at East Maitland

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison, MP today wrote to the NSW Attorney General suggesting that the now under-utilised East Maitland District Court be used to provide a specialist domestic violence court in the Hunter.

“Much of the government’s recent response to this issue has been in policing trials that haven’t even included Maitland Police. The feedback I have had from all levels of the community has been that the criminal justice system is also failing women escaping violence.”

Ms Aitchison echoed calls today from the Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison regarding the need for a dedicated domestic violence court. “Trialling a specialised domestic violence court in the Hunter is a policy Labor took to the last election and it is something that is needed by our community” said Ms Aitchison.

“Such courts exist in Wagga Wagga and Campbelltown, established under trials undertaken in 2005 by the then NSW Labor Government. Access to increased victim safety and access to victim support services were successful features of these trials.”

“East Maitland District Court house is under-utilised and close to public transport. It is also close to specialist domestic violence service provider Carrie’s Place which provides Court Advocacy Services to women in Maitland, Dungog, Kurri Kurri and up to the Upper Hunter.”

“Women need to feel safe and supported at all times while their cases progress through the criminal justice system. A specialist domestic violence court provided locally in Maitland where, sadly, we have a great need, could provide that safety and support for women escaping domestic violence”, said Ms Aitchison.