Family Violence Website a Life Saver A new regional family violence website providing vital information to the community, victims of family violence and agencies that provide support and referral, was recently launched by Ms Margaret Bennett, CEO of North East Health. The website presents vital information by locality, is easy to navigate and includes contact details for local crisis agencies, temporary accommodation, housing, financial, legal and counselling services. An ‘escape button’ allows for quick navigation to another window to help prevent detection from a perpetrator. The website address is familyviolencehumeregion.au. ‘This website will enable victims of family violence to find help and information quickly and privately,’ said Ms Tammy Smith, Regional Integrated Coordinator, Family Violence. ‘Leaving a violent partner is complex and involves many factors, including safety, where to live, children’s needs, finances and legal issues. Navigating all of this is a huge burden on top of the abuse. Having a local ‘one stop shop’ for information not only provides crisis contact details, but will help with longer term planning that is essential for remaining safe and rebuilding lives.’ Dozens of agencies across North East Victoria and Goulburn areas have collaborated to create this comprehensive website that will not only assist community members living with violence but will keep family violence sector professionals informed and up to date with current policies, training or networking opportunities and valuable resources. ‘The integration of family violence services is critical to a regional system that works together to reduce family violence and supports individuals and families to live free of violence,’ said Ms Smith. ‘This website is as much for the professionals in the sector as the general public’. One in two Australian women experience family violence in their lifetime. On average, one woman every week in Australia is killed by her current or ex-partner. Family violence is a crime and locally, the Hume region has some of the highest rates of police-reported family violence in Victoria. Ms Smith says, ‘Today the myths and misunderstanding about family violence are giving way to action. Agencies working together, as in the development of this website, is a significant step in reducing the impact of family violence.’ The website launch was held at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre praised the website and said, ‘It took collaboration and partnership between the family violence steering committee and agencies across the region to develop this website.’ Rachael Mackay, Health Promotion, Family Violence, Ph: (03) 03 5722 3009, Mobile: 0402579590 E: [email protected]
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 02:16:09 +0000
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