Nationals MPs Russell Northe and Melina Bath today attended the formal opening of a new multi-disciplinary centre (MDC) in Morwell, a one stop shop for victims of sexual abuse.
Member for Morwell Russell Northe said in Government, the Liberal-National Coalition provided $4.8 million in the 2012-13 budget towards the construction and operating costs of Morwell’s MDC over four years.
“The centre which has been operating since late last year and to which I have visited on a couple of occasions brings together Victoria Police, child protection and sexual assault counselling services at the one site,” Mr Northe said.
“I am pleased to see this project has come to fruition as this centre will provide better integration and co-location of agencies improving the response to vulnerable victims.”
Mr Northe said victims would be able to access counselling from Gippsland’s Centre Against Sexual Assault (GCASA) staff and child protection practitioners.
“Sexual assault against any person is unacceptable at any time, any place and under any circumstances and victims of this abuse need the highest level of support we can provide,” Mr Northe said. Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath said the former Liberal-National Coalition government had also provided $61,000 in funding for a new project officer to support collaborative activities at the centre.
“The MDC ensures those who have experienced sexual assault are being supported at a crucial time in their lives,” Ms Bath said.
“The centres broad range of services, from health to legal to safety, will mean that sexual assault and child abuse victims will not have to repeat their story to different services after their experience.”
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