Geelong’s not-for-profit Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre was the recipient of two final-round placings in the 2019 Deakin University Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
The community-based service was a finalist in the Medium to Large Business and Inclusive & Accessible Business categories.
“The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre is very proud to be a finalist in the Geelong Business Excellence Awards. Our organisation has supported the Geelong community for over 40 years,” says the centre’s Helen Bolton.
“Each year we support over 4000 women, children and men who have experienced violence and abuse; our services are very much needed by the Geelong community.”
“We have experienced unprecedented demand. Our organisation has grown to over 100 employees in the past three years.”
“We are one of the largest specialist sexual assault and family violence centres in Victoria, we employ highly qualified staff and our services are free.”
Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre offers services across the Barwon, Wimmera and Western Melbourne areas.
“Our vision is for a community free from sexual assault and family violence, and a society underpinned by the principles of gender equality, social justice and human rights,” the centre’s award entry says.
The centre is the only local specialist provider of free, confidential services including 24-hour crisis response, counselling, case management, sexual abuse treatment, help with problem sexual behaviours, and secondary consultation.
“Our gender equity and training team informs workplaces, professionals and community about primary prevention of violence against women and family violence, and recognising and responding to sexual assault and family violence.”
The centre is part of a multidisciplinary facility co-located with Victoria Police’s Sexual Offences Child Investigation Team and Family Violence Unit and state child protection workers, providing a coordinated response for clients.
