Patricia Giles Centre service for Joondalup area

11/3/97

The Patricia Giles Centre will provide a new advocacy and support service for victims of domestic violence in the Joondalup area, Family and Children's Services Minister Rhonda Parker announced today.

Family and Children's Services has granted the service $60,000 a year until September 30, 1999 under the Domestic Violence Advocacy and Victim Support Program.

Mrs Parker said the new service would provide assistance for women and their children in crisis or coping with the aftermath of a crisis.

"The service will provide after-hours crisis support in conjunction with police intervention," the Minister said.

"An important feature will be helping victims who are seeking restraining orders to find support services.

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

'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."

Mrs Parker 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: Kaye Hopkins (09) 481 7810