July Training
This month’s speaker was Jeanine from Maroondah Halfway House an organisation providing crisis accommodation for those exposed to family violence. Referrals come locally or from across the state. Statistics show that one in three women experience family violence which can take several forms. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional or financial. The service is available 24 hours a day seven days a week and is called the Statewide Domestic Violence Service.
The service provides about 87,000 nights crisis accommodation per year. Most of the clients are women and 75% of those needing help are children. The Service does not take referrals from the community but through agencies such as CAB, legal service and Centrelink.
The Service works with the Police who are often needed to support and help families to leave home when faced with physical abuse. The family may need to leave urgently without clothing or belongings and the Service is grateful for donations of goods from groups such as Rotary and business to help initially with such simple items as new pillows, sheets and clothing.
The Eastern region of the service has developed a partnership with Centrelink during the last six months to see and interview clients personally at home as many women have a reluctance, and feel there is a stigma attached, in attending a Crisis centre. The scheme is called “Safe at Home”
Previously, crisis accommodation consisted of a house where up to four families shared the facilities. Now, through partnerships with transitional, community housing and also some private agencies, more families are able to have their own living areas.
Assessment of help is determined around level of family risk although demand may outstrip availability. For example the Australian Childhood Foundation has long waiting lists for child counselling. Access to court networkers and interpreters is available when needed.
It is generally felt that the level of domestic violence has not increased significantly, as there has always been a degree of violence in some relationships but the community is more aware of it, there is more reporting of it and there is more focus on available help.
Some information kits will be available in the CAB offices soon.
Unfortunately, due to winter coughs and colds and the school holidays the numbers at the training were well down but those attending heard a most detailed and informative talk.
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