Women from Wyndham’s multicultural communities will be trained to help others experiencing family violence, as part of an initiative funded by the state government.
The government has provided $120,000 for the Ready, Steady, Together Partnership, which consists of Wyndham council, the Wyndham Community and Education Centre (WCEC) and Drummond Street Services.
Wyndham’s safer communities spokeswoman Cr Kim McAliney said the three organisations would collaborate to create a program involving women from diverse backgrounds including the South Sudanese, Indian and Burmese communities.
Cr McAliney said the women would be trained to act as cross-cultural workers to support residents experiencing family violence, including new and expecting parents.
Cr McAliney said between 2012 and 2016, there were more than 12,000 incidents of family violence reported to police in Wyndham.
“Family violence is a serious issue that affects so many people in our community,” she said.
WCEC chief executive Jennie Barrera said the centre worked with refugees through its settlement program, some of whom had experienced family violence.
Ms Barrera said that while domestic violence affected all communities, people who were new to Australia sometimes did not know where to turn for help.
“There are problems with access, referral and information,” she said.
Ms Barrera said the Ready, Steady, Together Partnership would help to address these issues.
For details visit wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/community-support/family-violence-support-service-information
Contact Women’s Health West on 9689 9588 between 9.30am and 4.30pm for assistance, or the Safe Steps 24/7 family violence response line on 1800 015 188.
