Counselling service for victims of domestic violence in Karratha and Hedland

3/6/98

Anglican Health and Welfare Services Inc will operate a new counselling service for victims of domestic violence in Karratha and Hedland, Family and Children's Services Minister Rhonda Parker said today.

Mrs Parker said Family and Children's Services had allocated $60,000 a year to the organisation to provide counselling, information and referral to people experiencing or at risk of domestic violence.

"This important new service will provide counselling to alleviate the effects of abuse and reduce the risk of further harm," she said.

"Victims will be helped to understand the dynamics of violence and develop skills and knowledge to deal with it.

"This will help them assess their situation and relationships and make decisions and plans for the future."

Mrs Parker said trained counsellors would provide individual, couple or group counselling and would also be available for telephone counselling depending on the needs of victims.

"Providing and maintaining services to help victims of domestic violence is a high priority for Family and Children's Services," she said.

"It is vital that people affected by a violent domestic situation have access to information and services which support them through their crises and enable them to deal with any future crises.

"This new funding demonstrates the State Government's commitment to strengthening families and providing support for victims of domestic violence throughout Western Australia."

Funding is expected to last until March 31, 2001.

Media Contact: Donna Cole 9481 7810