By Luke Voogt
A $200,000 federal funding cut could deprive Geelong family violence victims of vital services, a state-wide legal provider has said.
Women’s Legal Service Victoria (WLSV) chief Joanna Fletcher said on Tuesday the cut would make its legal advice phoneline “no longer be feasible”.
“Every year our free legal advice line helps almost 900 women from all over Victoria,”
Ms Fletcher said in the last 12 months 148 Geelong women used the advice line and WLSV’s online outreach program – also under threat from the cut.
WLSV’s Link Virtual Outreach program provides free online advice via Skype through Geelong support groups, such as Bethany.
Bethany’s Bernadette McCartney said the program had been “critical” in supporting victims of domestic violence.
“The (service) has provided valuable, accessible and real-time legal advice to many Bethany clients.”
“Often the women who use this service are taking their first steps towards leaving a violent relationship,” she added.
“Utilising video-conferencing technology allows these women to access specialist legal advice to make considered decisions about their options for legal protection.”
The cut comes after Victoria Police reported a 55.8 per cent increase in domestic violence incidents in Geelong over the past five years.
Former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty was shocked to hear of the cut to the organisation she had worked with closely in the past.“If women are able to take the brave step to leave a violent partner, they must be supported with specialist assistance, including legal assistance.”
Minerva Community Services has also utilised the services for its Geelong clients.
