By Brendan Rees
Casey Council’s CEO Glenn Patterson says there is an “urgent” need for a new family violence safety hub to be considered in Casey.
It comes as the State Government announced its plan to expand its ‘Orange Door’ network in the south east and inner east, as well as three other regions.
The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children.
The State Government said four sites of the new hubs would be announced in the coming months “as work continues to ensure a local point of access for all Victorians no matter where they live”.
Mr Patterson said the recent announcement was “another step forward” in addressing the needs of those in the community but highlighted the “urgent” need for an Orange Door to be set-up in Casey.
“The Orange Door is a crucial service that brings together organisations that support adults and children who are experiencing family violence. The City of Casey is a central location for communities in the south east growth corridor,” he said.
“It is not surprising given Casey’s large population, 360,000 now, growing to 550,000 by 2040, that the reported number of family violence incidents is the highest in Victoria.
“Disturbingly, during the Covid-19 response, police reports of domestic violence in the area have jumped between 25 – 30 per cent on the same time last year.”
Mr Patterson conceded the community was not safe in their own homes and that an “Orange Door close to home would help more women and children at risk”.
He said council was continuing to work with the State Government on solutions.
“An Orange Door Hub in the City of Casey would attract the services and professionals needed in Victoria’s Growth Corridor and it would be another step forward, in a challenge we all need to meet.”
The Orange Door network is part of the State Government’s commitment to implementing all 277 of the recommendations put forward by the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
The latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria revealed there were 4863 family violence incidents recorded in Casey City in the year to March – up 4.6 per cent compared to the previous year.
Premier Daniel Andrews said: “My message to all Victorians is that help is there if you need it. Escaping violence at home is always a reason to leave your home, no matter what stage restrictions are in place.”
For those experiencing or at risk of violence, or if you or someone you know needs help call the 1800 Respect National Helpline on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au.
Always call 000 in an emergency.
