A VICTIMS of crime counselling program being piloted in Werribee could soon be rolled out across the western suburbs.
The Victims Assistance and Counselling Program is run at Werribee police station by the Western Region Health Centre and helps people who have experienced or witnessed crimes overcome their ordeals.
Victoria Police and WRHC are considering extending the program to Melton and Sunshine. Launched in 2010, it is the first program of its kind in Victoria.
Deputy Commissioner Lucinda Nolan and Attorney-General Robert Clark visited Werribee last week to speak to counsellors and discuss expansion plans.
WRHC chief executive Lyn Morgain said co-locating the program at the police station made it easier for victims to seek help.
“It is incredibly helpful for people to access support and services as soon as possible after a crime.
“Having counsellors onsite at the station means a range of relevant and useful help is at hand, which aids the recovery.”
Ms Morgain said victims of crime often experienced psychological trauma and physical injuries. It was also common for them to develop safety concerns, have difficulty sleeping and have trouble returning to their everyday lives.
She said counsellors could help victims deal with problems and put them in touch with solicitors and other support services. People who had used the service reported feeling safer coming to a police station and empowered to make statements, Ms Morgain said.
