By Aaron Cordy
WOMEN and children in Shepparton have a better chance of receiving the care and help they need to break the circle of gendered and family violence that is a stain on the Australian way of life, with the opening of a new Multidisciplinary Centre on Friday, March 7.
Specialist police and support services will be housed under one roof with the opening of a new centre for victims of sexual offences, child abuse and family violence in Shepparton.
The facility will provide victims of sexual offences, child abuse and family violence with a range of services, including counselling and advocacy support, therapeutic support and forensic medical services as well as guidance through the justice system.
Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent said Victoria Police was proud to work in collaboration with partner agencies to deliver the new Multidisciplinary Centre, the eighth of its kind across the state.
“The Shepparton Multidisciplinary Centre has been designed to be a welcoming, safe, and confidential location for victims of family violence, sexual offences and child abuse to access dedicated care and support,” said Acting Chief Commissioner Nugent.
“The facility gives victims a safe space to speak to us and access the support they need.
“It also ensures we have all the right agencies working together so victims have access to appropriate and timely services.”
More than 20 detectives from Victoria Police’s Family Violence Investigation Units and Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Teams will work at the new facility alongside community nurses and other support workers from partner agencies.
Agencies working in the new centre include the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Australian Childhood Foundation, Centre Against Sexual Assault, Goulburn Valley Health, and Primary Care Connect.
“It’s an issue for us in this community; it’s an issue for us across the state and we’re investing in this type of facility to improve our service to the community,” said Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett.
“Family violence increased around 28 per cent last year, year on year, and sexual offending increased around six per cent, so it’s an issue for us in this community.
“But one of the reasons we are seeing an increased confidence in the community to actually make reports.”
The Shepparton Multidisciplinary Centre is the eighth centre in regional Victoria, which will hopefully to more victims feel safe coming forward seeking help against sexual offences, child abuse and family violence.
If you or someone close to you discloses they are a victim of sexual offences or family violence, please believe them and encourage them to contact the police or a support service.
