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WYNDHAM

Help for familiesin crisisDECEMBER 18, 2017 3:34 PM

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HEALTH WOMEN'S HEALTH WEST CRIME MELTON

FAMILY VIOLENCE WYNDHAM SUPPORT COUNSELLING

A pilot program being run in Wyndham and Melton will helpsupport families recovering from domestic violence.

Keeping Safe Together has been funded by the Department ofHealth and Human Services and will help each family memberindividually, including the perpetrator of violence.

Women’s Health West chief executive Dr Robyn Gregory saidthe year-long pilot program would provide “intensive therapeuticsupport” including one-on-one and family counselling,education on parenting and the impact of violence, hands-onpractical support and referral to other services.

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Women’s Health West strategy, advocacy and communityengagement director Elly Taylor said the program started takingreferrals in November and was now working with severalfamilies.

She said Wyndham and Melton were selected for the pilotbecause they had some of the highest rates of family violencein the western Melbourne region.

Between October last year and September this year, there were2680 family violence incidents recorded by police in Wyndham,and 2055 recorded in Melton.

Within the previous 12 months, these figures stood at 3012incidents for Wyndham and 2055 for Melton.

Ms Taylor said Keeping Safe Together had already received ahigh number of inquiries and referrals, but there was capacityfor more.

“We recommend that people contact us quickly, as the programis sparking a lot of interest,” she said.

Women’s Health West and LifeWorks Relationship Counsellingand Education Services are co-leading the project inpartnership with other organisations including the BouverieCentre, cohealth, Good Shepherd, CatholicCare and MacKillopFamily Services.

Contact 9448 5650 or kstenquiries@whwest.org.au for details.

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