Fund boost helps curb violence

By Alison Noonan
DOMESTIC violence support services have received a massive funding boost in a bid to curb the escalating number of family violence incidences in Casey.
The State Government recently injected $546,000 into local welfare agencies as part of the ‘A Fairer Victoria’ initiative to help women and children escape family violence.
The News last week reported a dramatic rise in recorded domestic violence reports to Casey police over the Christmas and New Year period.
It followed a recent dispute in Hampton Park in which a man was arrested after allegedly threatening his girlfriend with a knife.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said the State Government grant would enable support agencies to provide additional services to the growing number of victims of domestic violence.
“Local support agencies do a tremendous job already but we can always do more to provide coordinated services to women and children fleeing family violence,” he said.
“Many people don’t realise that domestic violence will affect 20 per cent of Australian women and is a leading cause of death, disability and illness amongst women aged 15 to 44.
“That is why we have developed a new approach to family violence, resulting in faster responses to incidences, support and referral around the clock and new emergency and longer-term accommodation options for women and children.”
Mr Perera said local agencies to receive funding included WAYSS Ltd Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Windemere Child and Family Services, South East Centre Against Sexual Assault, and Hanover South East Crisis Accomodation.
He said the funding would result in increased outreach support for women unable to attend a refuge, more intensive case management for women with multiple needs, further assistance for women seeking accommodation in the private rental market, extra funding for behaviour change programs for men, and more crisis accommodation.
A spokeswoman for Dandenong-based WAYSS Ltd Domestic Violence Crisis Service said the organisation was delighted to receive the first round of funding.
She said the service had used the grant to employ additional support positions to assist women and children experiencing the effects of family violence.