The Andrews Labor Government is working with Aboriginal communities to deliver a new, Aboriginal-led service in the Bayside Peninsula Area to support Aboriginal people affected by family violence.
The new service is fully staffed by an Aboriginal workforce known as 'Journey Walkers' who will provide culturally safe support for Aboriginal families.
The service will be a first point of contact, offering counselling, accommodation referrals, behaviour change programs and financial support services. These services will be provided face-to-face, by phone, email and walk-ins and importantly, include outreach support to Aboriginal communities and groups.
Delivered as part of a $2.6 million investment to create three Aboriginal-designed and led family violence services complementary to The Orange Door Network, this new service will be run by the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency which has been providing culturally safe care for more than 40 years.
The services are a product of the Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way strategy, the key Aboriginal-led Victorian Agreement that commits community, services and government to strengthening the lives of Aboriginal people, families and communities and ensuring Aboriginal people live free from family violence.
The Labor Government is supporting culturally safe services to prevent and respond to family violence and advance Aboriginal self-determination with more than $50 million invested to strengthen Aboriginal-led family and sexual violence service delivery since 2021.
Information is available at vacca.org/page/services/family-violence/bayside-aboriginal-access-point.
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Ros Spence
"It's crucial that we support access to Aboriginal-led family violence support to ensure that Aboriginal families can get the culturally safe and effective help they need to live free from family violence."
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams
"We're continuing to invest in Aboriginal self-determination to support thriving communities and provide services that meet the needs and wishes of Aboriginal people."
As stated by CEO VACCA Muriel Bamblett
"This innovative new approach to walking alongside our people in their journey towards healing will mean those impacted by family violence get the support and response that is right for them when they need it most."
