Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault (Ballarat CASA) will receive more than $200,000 for their work with survivors of sexual abuse in Ballarat and Western Victoria.
The Andrews Labor Government today announced a grant of $110,000 to Ballarat CASA, matching funds remaining from crowd funding efforts that sent survivors to Rome for Royal Commission hearings.
This money will allow the CASA to continue its work in supporting survivors across Ballarat and Western Victoria, many of whom have found reliving their experiences through the Royal Commission deeply traumatic.
The Royal Commissions into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and Family Violence have seen more people come forward as survivors of abuse and Ballarat CASA has reported a 27 per cent increase in people accessing their services.
The Ballarat CASA runs the Ballarat Survivors Group, and will work with survivors to determine how to best use this money, including counselling and mental health support.
The Labor Government is also working to implement the remaining recommendations of the landmark Betrayal of Trust report.
Last year the Victorian Parliament passed new laws to make it easier for victims to sue for historic abuse and the Labor Government has introduced new standards in schools for the protection of children.
Anyone impacted by sexual abuse can phone 1800 806 292 for counselling and other support services.
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews
“The Labor Government pays tribute the bravery and dignity of those who went to Rome, especially given how much they had suffered at the hands of the very institution that was supposed to protect them.”
“Now more than ever we need to support the Ballarat community as it recovers and these extra funds to Ballarat CASA will ensure survivors get the crucial support they need.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“Too many people across Ballarat have been impacted by the scourge of institutional abuse and it’s vital that we support the community during this difficult time.”
“Ballarat CASA has done an invaluable job in helping those traumatised by sexual abuse and this further funding will ensure that survivors across the area can access the support they need.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“It was truly humbling to see the outpouring of support from around the world for the Ballarat survivors of clergy abuse and money raised so they could fly to Rome. This meant so much for everyone in the community.”
“It is important that now the survivors have returned from Rome and the international spotlight has moved on, we don’t forget the survivors and ensure they have the vital support they need.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020