Friday 12 January 2007
Social Justice Commissioner welcomes new
Family Violence Prevention Legal Services Program announced for Port Lincoln
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma today welcomed the appointment of the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service as the newest service provider in the Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Legal Services Program.
Announced by Attorney-General Philip Ruddock this week, the service is part of the Government’s commitment to add five units to the Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Legal Services Program making 31 units in total.
“I commend the Government in carrying out its commitment to increase the number of these units and the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service in becoming the newest service provider to deliver much needed family violence services to the community” Commissioner Calma said today.
The family violence units are established to focus on adults, children and young people who live in regional and remote areas and who are survivor-victims of family violence and sexual abuse or who are at immediate risk of such violence. The units provide legal assistance, casework, counselling and court support.
“It is encouraging to see that this unit will provide a broad range of support services including early intervention and prevention programs as well as specialist family violence services. This holistic approach is crucial if we are to combat violence and abuse in our communities.” Commissioner Calma said.
It is expected that the Port Lincoln service will begin operating in the next few months.
Media contact: Louise McDermott 02 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
Last updated 30 January, 2008
