More than 200 western suburbs children at risk of family violence will be able to access counselling services in the coming year.
Women’s Health West will receive $108,000 in the 2015-16 state government budget to pay for a full-time children’s counsellor to go with its three part-time counsellors.
WHW chief executive Robyn Gregory said the funding was “terrific news” that would ensure more than 200 minors would be able to access the service each year.
“Our three part-timers see approximately 150 children a year, and a full-time counsellor will see an additional 56,” she said.
Cohealth received an additional $100,000, effectively tripling its counselling services as it gains a full-time counsellor.
The extra funding is part of a $3.5 million boost to services for survivors of family violence across the state.
Cohealth chief executive Lyn Morgain said increased funding was one of 21 recommendations the service made to the Royal Commission on Family Violence.
“The brave women who came together to help form our submission have experienced multiple forms of abuse, not just physical, and had a lot to say about how we can do better to look after their health needs,” she said.
“It’s clear that the issue of violence occurring in relationships of any form is a health issue, not just a legal, police or courts one.
“We’re delighted western Melbourne is recognised as one region in Victoria whose need is among the highest.”
Catherine, a Footscray resident, contributed to cohealth’s submission and is looking for results from the increased government attention.
She received a lifetime restraining order for a violent husband 10 years ago. That, together with counselling, helped get her life back on track. “This is really, really, important,” she said. “There’s so many forms of abuse – you can’t just address one.
“We’ve got to stop women being prisoners in their own homes.”
Assistance: Western Counselling service on 8398 4178 (business hours), Women’s Health West on 9689 9588 or the Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service on 1800 015 188.
with Ben Cameron
