By PAUL MILLAR
A VICTIM’S assistance service will operate out of Corio Police Station, taking impact statements to help lighten the load on officers.
Geelong Police Inspector Graham Banks said the service would provide face-to-face support, arranging access to services to help aid victims’ recovery.
The local area commander said welfare agency Centacare would operate the service to prevent clients becoming repeat victims.
“We’re very enthusiastic about it, as they provide a high level of services,“ he said.
“They work through issues face-to-face and they have the ability to provide practical assistance.”
Insp Banks said the counsellors would also be able to take victim impact statements, which would “alleviate the workload” on officers at the station.
The support service would operate out of the police station during business hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he said.
Centacare aims to provide services to meet the “practical, emotional and psychological needs of victims of crime”.
