Innovative trial supporting 17 Geelong households to stop family violence
More than 64 people from 17 households in the Geelong and Barwon region are currently participating in the local Safe at Home trial, a Victorian-first early intervention response to support people experiencing family violence and prevent homelessness.
The three-year Safe at Home trial is being funded by the Victorian Government and led by McAuley Community Services for Women (McAuley) and local partner Meli, which released new data on the groundbreaking program to mark today’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The trial is the first of its kind to provide integrated, holistic support for up to two years for all members of the household, including the person using violence, much earlier than existing services that are geared toward crisis support. Delivered by local partner Meli, Safe at Home can offer counselling; legal, financial and employment assistance; home security upgrades; help to find alternative accommodation as well as specialised support for children and young people, and for the person using violence.
New data about current participants shows:
- Most people reside in the Greater Geelong area, with a few households located in the Surf Coast and Colac Otway Shires;
- Around 45% of the adults being supported are aged between 36-45 years – this includes both victim survivors and people using violence;
- There are 30 dependent babies, children and young people currently participating, and 17 of them are infants or pre-school age. They are offered tailored support as clients in their own right.
McAuley CEO, Jocelyn Bignold OAM, said new approaches focused on system change are needed to address high rates of gendered and family violence in the community.
“Family violence and gendered violence are huge problems that affect people from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, and family violence is the biggest driver of homelessness across Victoria and Australia.
“To end this violence we need to have the courage to do things differently, and the Safe at Home trial is all about trying to change our default system of women and children having to flee violence, to one where they can be supported to stay safely in the home of their choice while we work to disrupt the violence,” said Ms Bignold.
Meli Executive Director of Services, Bernadette McCartney, said the Safe at Home program was already delivering significant outcomes for people impacted by family violence across Geelong and surrounding areas.
“This program has been designed to intervene early before families become locked into harmful and impactful patterns of family violence,” Ms McCartney said.
“Even in its early stages of the program delivery, Safe at Home is changing lives. One victim-survivor, after escaping violence and homelessness, was supported to buy a car – giving her freedom and a sense of independence.
“Each family’s story is unique, and this is just one example of how Safe at Home is providing families with the stability they deserve.”
For further information or interview requests please contact:
Michelle Robertson – McAuley – 0498 990 880