The Cook Government has announced a significant funding boost of approximately $3.7 million for regional sexual assault support services in next week's State budget. This investment aims to enhance the capacity and reach of these essential services across Western Australia.
Funding Allocation Details
Of the total funding, $3 million will be directed to support services outside of Perth, enabling them to increase staffing levels and expand services to meet local demand. The funds will be distributed among service providers in Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Mandurah, and South Hedland.
An additional $700,000 will be allocated to the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC). This centre operates statewide, providing a 24/7 medical and forensic service to individuals who have experienced a recent sexual assault. It also offers counselling for those over 13 who have experienced sexual assault or abuse.
Impact on Staffing and Services
The funding boost will allow SARC to increase its counselling workforce, thereby improving access to timely and specialised support. According to State Government statistics, nearly one in four women and one in 16 men over the age of 15 have experienced sexual violence.
Health Minister Meredith Hammat emphasised the importance of this funding for regional communities. "The regional Sexual Assault Support Services, as well as the Sexual Assault Resource Centre, are doing an incredible job supporting people who have experienced sexual assault through timely, appropriate and specialised counselling," she said.
"These are vital services in our community that support victim-survivors of sexual violence in their time of need. This funding boost will allow employment of more staff and provide regional services with increased capacity to meet local demand."
For immediate support, the Sexual Assault Resource Centre can be contacted on 1800 199 888.
