By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A LOCAL family violence ambassador hopes Casey will be one of the locations for a one-stop safety hub, recommended in the 1900-page report released by the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
After 13 months of interviews the report was officially released on Wednesday 30 March, with the State Government promising to implement all 227 recommendations.
Among the recommendations was the proposal to set up one-stop safety hubs, facilities installed throughout the state so victims can find information and services in their local area.
Challenge Family Violence ambassador Jim Reiher, also a member of the Casey Multifaith network, said he hoped Casey would be selected for one of the hub locations.
The City of Casey has previously been ranked as the municipality with the highest number of family violence incidents.
From April 2014 to March 2015 there were 3759 family incidents reported in Casey compared to 3636 in the same period a year earlier – the most of any local government area.
“I hope we might be one of the hubs, you’d hope they target areas that have the highest percentage of reported issues,” Mr Reiher said.
Other key recommendations in the report included the proposal of new victim safety laws, a rehousing program for victims, the call for more family violence courts, the proposal of an independent Family Violence Agency to hold governments to account, as well a focus on responses from local councils.
“The report looks really good, it’s really important, really timely and definitely needed,” Mr Reiher said.
“The report admits some progress has been made and there’s more to be done.
“As a White Ribbon ambassador I’m very pleased that this has come out.”
The Casey Multifaith network is also referenced in the report, after entering a submission to the Royal Commission.
“We have felt that faith communities often don’t want to be associated with issues related to family violence for fear of stigma or other such apprehensions,” the Casey Multifaith network submitted.
“We have often found that faith communities want to brush such issues as family violence under the carpet and either do not want to deal with the problems, or want to hide them.”
Following the report’s release, Premier Daniel Andrews said the Victorian Government would implement “every single one” of the recommendations.
“Last year 37 Victorians were murdered by the people they trusted the most, and we failed every single one of them,” he said.
“Family violence is a silent crime, deployed by cowards behind closed doors.
“It’s Australia’s number one law-and-order issue but it’s taken us too long to admit it.
“The numbers are staggering. The human cost – unacceptable.
“And one thing’s for certain, more of the same policies will only mean more of the same tragedies.”
If you need help contact Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188, or go to www.safesteps.org.au
