LOCAL domestic violence support services have only been determined as being in “medium” demand for the state’s new domestic violence funding, despite catering for the area with the highest prevalence of police reports of the crime.
Mallee Domestic Violence Services and Mallee Sexual Assault Unit have been allocated around $140,000 per year over the next two years out of the State Government’s new $3.5 million boost to the state’s family violence counselling services.
Though the money had previously been promised in the May state budget, the government officially announced it would deliver the funding last week, saying it would be shared by 39 agencies across Victoria.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos said the funding was allocated according to need, so agencies located in areas with the greatest demand would receive the most money.
The Mallee area was determined to be in medium demand for extra funding, despite the fact the region’s police division (Division 6) had the highest rate of reported domestic violence incidents last year across all divisions.
Swan Hill itself recorded the fifth highest reported incidence rate for domestic violence among local government areas, while Mildura had the fourth highest.
Mallee Domestic Violence Services chief executive officer Joanne Sheehan-Paterson said there were a range of different factors taken into consideration regarding funding needs, including population base and current service capacity.
Ms Sheehan-Paterson was overall pleased with the funding boost, saying it would benefit its clients in Swan Hill, Mildura, Gannawarra Shire and Buloke Shire.
“We are delighted to receive additional funding to provide care for local victims of family abuse,” she said.
“It will be for counselling services for victims of family violence, also there is some housing establishment fund capacity for us to assist victims to move into affordable housing, and we can provide a rental brokerage program so that helps to assist clients to access private rental accommodation.”
Counselling services will make up most of the funding, receiving an annual average of $120,218 over the two year funding roll-out.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can contact Mallee Domestic Violence Services’ 24-hour crisis emergency service at 5021 2130 if you’re in the north of the Mallee and 5033 1899 if you’re in the south.
