The Andrews Labor Government will provide an immediate boost of $175,000 to support sexual assault survivors ahead of the release this week of the report from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today announced the new funding in anticipation of a spike for support services.
It is estimated that thousands of Victorians are survivors of sexual abuse in institutional settings and the report’s release is likely to trigger the need for support.
The Labor Government is providing $50,000 to the Sexual Assault Crisis Line - a state wide, after hours, confidential counselling service which receives thousands of calls each year.
A further $125,000 will go to Sexual Assault Support Services across Victoria, and to the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency to assist Aboriginal sexual assault survivors.
All funding will be made available immediately, including for the Ballarat Sexual Assault Service, which has provided unwavering support for those affected in the Ballarat community.
This additional funding will take the total support for Victorian sexual assault services to more than $26 million per year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“The only reason this Royal Commission exists is because of the courage of these victim-survivors who bravely told their stories - there is no way we are going to let them go through this alone.”
“I hope this additional support will give some comfort and assistance through what is an extremely difficult time.”
“I'm very grateful to Sharon Knight for continued advocacy on behalf of victim-survivors in her community.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“We’re making sure survivors have the support they need through this traumatic and emotional time.”
“We want services that are well resourced and ready to help when they are needed the most.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020