Grant for Sexual Assault Referral Centre scheme (A/Min)

29/1/94

The State Government has offered financial support to help the Sexual Assault Referral Centre establish an innovative new program aimed at reducing sexual violence. 

Acting Attorney General George Cash said the Ministry of Justice would make available $10,000 to the centre for use in employing a project officer for three months to develop a model for the new program, targeted at men. 

The centre has indicated that the proposed program would provide counselling for men who feared they could commit a sexual assault and also provide a comprehensive education and awareness program aimed at promoting appropriate sexual behaviour, particularly focussed on young men. 

The Ministry of Justice would assess the model of the proposed program for its suitability and likely effectiveness. 

"The Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides an important service to the community and should be congratulated for its efforts in providing support to the victims of sexual violence," Mr Cash said. 

"The development of this program shows that the centre is also working towards trying to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in our society - an aim consistent with the Government's policy on law and justice." 

Mr Cash said a reduction in sexual violence could only be achieved by tackling the problem on a number of fronts - from awareness programs to the treatment of sex offenders to reduce the likelihood of them re-offending. 

"Sexual assault is a serious problem in our society and the proposal by the Sexual Assault Referral Centre appears to offer an important and beneficial service for the community," he said.

"The Government is pleased to offer its support to help with its implementation."

Media contact:  Casey Cahill 222 9595