Wyndham’s long-awaited multi-disciplinary centre is set to open its doors in a month’s time, pairing up a number of family violence and other support services under one roof.
Victoria Police’s Westgate Family Violence Unit and Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation teams will occupy the top floor of the Wyndham Medical and Services Centre on Hoppers Lane, alongside child protection staff from the Department of Health and Human Services.
They will be joined by community health nurses, forensic medical officers, child protection staff and counsellors from the Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault, Women’s Health West and Gatehouse, which helps child victims of sexual abuse.
Star Weekly understands the new facility will open on May 1. It will become the seventh multi-disciplinary centre in the state, and has been modelled on existing centres in Geelong, Mildura, Seaford, Dandenong, Bendigo and Morwell.
Wyndham Police Inspector Marty Allison said the multi-disciplinary centre – which is also close to the Werribee Mercy Hospital – would be a one-stop shop for victims of sexual offences, child abuse and family violence.
“They’re all going to be housed under the same roof, with all the other support agencies regarding sex offences and child abuse, which is going to be great for Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong,” he said.
Visiting the construction site late last year, Minister for Families and Children and Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos said having several services located in the same building meant sexual assault survivors would be able to receive help in a more timely manner.
“It means survivors won’t have to keep moving from service to service, or building to building, or keep repeating their stories to different professionals,” she said.
People needing help can contact WestCASA on 9687 5811 or info@westcasa.org.au, or the Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292.
