Victims and survivors of family violence will now be able to attend a single location Multi-Disciplinary Centre (MDC) in Dandenong – which will include Victoria Police, dedicated trauma counsellors and child protection workers – providing more support to those experiencing family violence.
Dedicated Victoria Police family violence teams have moved into the MDC in Dandenong, which is one of six centres of its kind operating across Victoria, offering holistic and tailored support for victims of sexual assault and child abuse.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville today joined Victoria Police to announce that family violence teams from Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong have been brought together with existing sexual violence services operating at the MDC.
The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine’s role at the centre will be expanded to include medical examinations of family violence victims.
A remote witness facility will also be set up to allow some victims of both sexual offences and family violence to provide evidence via video-link instead of having to attend court in person.
Alongside family violence support, the Dandenong MDC will continue to provide an integrated service to victims of sexual offences.
These actions ensure victims of family violence, sexual assault and child abuse are provided with an appropriate, professional and compassionate response in the one location.
Victoria Police will recruit more police officers who specialise in family violence, as a part of the $2 billion package attached to the Community Safety Statement announced in December.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“Victims and survivors of family violence will no longer be made to tell their story over and over thanks to this centre in Dandenong. It’s a one-stop support destination for women and children experiencing family violence.”
“Dedicated family violence teams have moved into the Dandenong MDC which will help to provide more comprehensive support for victims.”
“We are reforming Victoria’s family violence system and delivering all of the recommendations handed down from the Royal Commission into Family Violence.”
Quote for the Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams
“Having this multi-disciplinary centre in Dandenong will help ensure victims and survivors of family violence have access to the support services they need under one roof.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020