Family abuse pain hits local agencies

THE scourge of family violence continues to plague Geelong, with welfare agencies stretched to meet constant demands for help.

At least one local refuge is being forced to respond without sufficient resources — intensifying the risk of victims missing out on vital support.

Barwon CASA Minerva is averaging 40 referrals a week despite its boss saying its funding capacity was well below what it required.

“The ongoing need for services certainly exceeds our funded capacity, however we always provide a response,” chief executive Helen Bolton said.

She said the agency had received nearly 2000 family violence referrals in the past 12 months, which had placed increasing pressure on staff.

Disturbingly, the centre is also being swamped with 120 sexual assault referrals every month.

Ms Bolton said the cries for help were only the tip of the iceberg and that she expected there to be more demand if every victim spoke up.

“We know there are a lot of unreported incidents,” she said.

“Right now we’re really keen to see the reporting of the crime going up, and so we’re encouraging women to report (incidents) to police.”

Geelong agencies juggling family violence cases with scant resources is not new.

In 2015, Minerva Community Services — before it merged with Barwon CASA — was receiving 160 referrals from police each month, despite being funded for only 10.

The State Government has been making efforts to address the issue, including a recent $3 million refurbishment to the Barwon Multi-Disciplinary Centre — which houses Barwon CASA and a police family violence unit.

The overhaul has given the centre capacity for about 140 staff, compared to 50 when it opened five years ago.

But recent figures suggest investment is still badly needed, with Geelong currently one of the state’s worst-affected areas when it comes to family violence. In 2016-17, the number of incidents recorded by police surged to 3320 — a 30 per cent increase on four years earlier.

Only the City of Casey had a higher rate in Victoria last year.

Analysis of 2017 data shows Corio was the local hotspot for family violence-related offences, with police recording 341 incidents.

Other suburbs to record a high number included Norlane (281), Geelong (165), Lara (114) and Belmont (102).

Ms Bolton said it was hoped fresh approaches could help reduce rates of family violence.

“Over time, we are seeing a shift in gender equality initiatives, like responsible relationships in schools and all that work in preventing family violence against women,” she said.

“What we know is, where countries have greater gender equality, there is less violence against women.”

Ms Bolton said the Royal Commission into Family Violence in 2016 had “reduced a lot of the stigma” for women who experience violence at the hands of their partners.

“I think attention is now focused more clearly on perpetrator accountability,” she said.

“But I think the general attitudes are changing where we say it’s not acceptable that he uses violence against her, and she’s not to blame.”

Anyone needing help from the organisation can phone 5222 4318.