By Luke Voogt
A Geelong service for people experiencing sexual assault and family violence has pledged to remain open during Victoria’s latest lockdown.
“This is a tough time for everyone,” said Helen Bolton, chief executive of The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre.
“But stress and hardship are never excuses for violence. If you or someone you know needs help, our team is here to support you.”
The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre today announced its doors would remain open to support victims of these crimes during the current lockdown.
The centre, located on at 59-63 Spring Street, Geelong West, provides in-person specialist services to women and children impacted by family violence, and adults, young people and children impacted by sexual assault.
Family violence and intervention order breaches and sexual offences increased significantly across Geelong in the year since Australia’s COVID-19 pandemic began.
Intervention order breaches increased from 170 to 245 in the year to March 2021, a 41 per cent increase taking population growth into account, according to Crime Statistics Agency Victoria data.
Family violence order breaches increased from 1966 to 2491, up almost a quarter per 100,000 people, while sexual offences rose from 508 to 602, an increase of 16 per cent.
The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre’s specialist practitioners are available onsite and via phone, video call, email and webchat for those needing to talk to someone.
For assistance phone 5222 4318, email reception@safvcentre.org.au, or visit www.safvcentre.org.au/webchat.
Those needing support any time after hours can phone the Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292 or safe steps on 1800 015 188.
