Local Information Network Karratha to provide support for victims of domestic violence

14/11/96

The Local Information Network Karratha will provide advocacy and support for victims of domestic violence in and around Karratha, Dampier and Wickham until late 1999, Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes said today.

Family and Children's Services has granted the centre $40,000 a year until September 30, 1999 under the Domestic Violence Advocacy and Victim Support Program.

Mrs Edwardes said Link would work closely with the Regional Domestic Violence Committee to provide a co-ordinated service to victims of domestic violence and their children in the Karratha, Dampier and Wickham areas.

"Providing and maintaining services to help victims of domestic violence is a high priority for the department," she said.

"It is vital that women and children affected by a violent domestic situation have access to information and services which support them in and help them avoid crises.

"The new service is aimed specifically at victims of domestic violence and their children, and will concentrate on providing them with preventive, short term and crisis services.

"It will also provide a valuable after hours crisis service to victims of domestic violence who are referred from the criminal justice system and a wide range of other areas," she said.

Mrs Edwardes said it was important for local communities to develop their own solutions to the problem of domestic violence.

"This new service in conjunction with the Regional Domestic Violence Committee will provide an important local focus on advocacy and support for people affected by this problem," she said.

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

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 09 421 7777