The Albanese Labor Government is investing $10.6 million to ensure that Victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) living in the Central Coast and Moree regions of New South Wales will have access to free, specialised mental health support close to home.
From October, victim-survivors and their families in this region will be able to access trauma‑informed mental health care, case management and care coordination through the Australian Government's Supporting Recovery pilot.
The Supporting Recovery pilot trials a new model of mental health care that will support victim-survivors' longer-term recovery and address trauma-related conditions. The Government is providing $67.2 million over four years from 2022-23 to trial the pilot in six Primary Health Network (PHN) regions across the country.
The pilot recognises that victim-survivors of violence need support well beyond the initial crisis response, to continue their physical and mental health recovery. The Supporting Recovery pilot will provide case management, care coordination and trauma-informed mental health care to victim-survivors of FDSV, up to two years.
The Albanese Labor is providing $10.6 million to the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (PHN) to commission the local services.
On the Central Coast, services will be provided by Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services, Baptist Care and Relationships Australia. In Moree, the pilot service will be operated by Anglicare and HealthWISE.
Each contracted organisation will offer a variety of mental health services based on the individual needs of each victim-survivor in Moree and the Central Coast. Locations were chosen due to their high rates of FDSV within the PHN, and cover regional and rural settings.
Victim-survivors in Moree and the Central Coast are able to find more information on Supporting Recovery services via the PHN website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family, domestic, or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health distress, you can seek immediate advice and support by calling Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Kearney:
"Australians are rightly shocked by the violence against women we have seen this year. It must end.
"We know that even after FDSV, the road to recovery can be long - the mental and physical health consequences are significant and long lasting.
"Labor is investing in new and innovative forms of care so that women can get the support they need for their trauma now".
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Supporting Recovery pilot services in Moree and on the Central Coast will help with the emotional and psychological impacts of violence, which can continue long after a violent relationship has ended.
"This support will be embedded in existing local services, giving local people the personalised support they need, close to home."
Quotes attributable to Dr Gordon Reid MP:
"The truly shocking violence against women and children in country must be stopped.
"I have heard too many stories about FDSV from members of my community and I know the associated trauma is a complex issue that can take many years to recover from.
"These new pilot services are designed to simplify the healthcare system for victim-survivors to make it as easy as possible to get the help they need."
