Domestic violence counsellors to help Torres Strait families
Published Thursday, 28 February, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
A three year Indigenous Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Pilot Service has been established in the Torres Strait.
Communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr joined Member for Cook Jason O’Brien in announcing State Government funding of $717,054 for the three-year pilot which will start in April.
Ms Nelson-Carr said two full-time counsellors would be based on Thursday Island, one a child witness counsellor and the other a domestic and family violence support counsellor.
“These counsellors will deliver an outreach service to the Torres Strait islands and provide support, information and advice to adults and children who have experienced the effects of domestic and family violence,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The counsellors will also provide general support, community education and information to Torres Strait communities to raise awareness and empower people to avoid domestic and family violence by promoting healthy relationships.”
Mr O’Brien said the pilot counselling program will be coordinated by the Mura Kosher Sorority, a local organisation which has been assisting women and children with their social, emotional and welfare needs for many years.
“The Mura Kosker Sorority will receive $205,749 per annum for three years to employ two counsellors, as well as a one-off grant of $99,807 to assist with program set-up costs,” Mr O’Brien said.
“A significant amount of community development work has been invested in this pilot service, to ensure that it can help stop the generational cycle of violence in Queensland’s Indigenous communities.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said too many families were being affected by violence and the effects were long-lasting.
“The Department of Communities is committed to promoting healthy relationships and counselling is a significant early intervention and prevention initiative which can help to empower and educate people about domestic and family violence.”
The pilot counselling service is the first of three to be established in Indigenous communities in Queensland this year — with additional services to be established in the Far North Queensland and the Wide Bay-Burnett regions.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr joined Member for Cook Jason O’Brien in announcing State Government funding of $717,054 for the three-year pilot which will start in April.
Ms Nelson-Carr said two full-time counsellors would be based on Thursday Island, one a child witness counsellor and the other a domestic and family violence support counsellor.
“These counsellors will deliver an outreach service to the Torres Strait islands and provide support, information and advice to adults and children who have experienced the effects of domestic and family violence,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The counsellors will also provide general support, community education and information to Torres Strait communities to raise awareness and empower people to avoid domestic and family violence by promoting healthy relationships.”
Mr O’Brien said the pilot counselling program will be coordinated by the Mura Kosher Sorority, a local organisation which has been assisting women and children with their social, emotional and welfare needs for many years.
“The Mura Kosker Sorority will receive $205,749 per annum for three years to employ two counsellors, as well as a one-off grant of $99,807 to assist with program set-up costs,” Mr O’Brien said.
“A significant amount of community development work has been invested in this pilot service, to ensure that it can help stop the generational cycle of violence in Queensland’s Indigenous communities.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said too many families were being affected by violence and the effects were long-lasting.
“The Department of Communities is committed to promoting healthy relationships and counselling is a significant early intervention and prevention initiative which can help to empower and educate people about domestic and family violence.”
The pilot counselling service is the first of three to be established in Indigenous communities in Queensland this year — with additional services to be established in the Far North Queensland and the Wide Bay-Burnett regions.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280