Under-funded support services for vulnerable women are struggling to meet demand, according to Women’s Health West chief executive Robyn Gregory.
Urging the state government to pour more money into the prevention of violence against women, Dr Gregory said there was an urgent need to cut long waiting lists for women and children seeking counselling.
A Women’s Health West support worker had been at Sunshine Magistrates Court supporting Melton West mother-of-four Fiona Warzywoda on the day she was allegedly murdered by former partner Craig McDermott.
PICTURE GALLERY: Sunshine vigil for Fiona Warzywoda
“On the day Fiona was killed, we had three women come in seeking assistance within a half-hour period and received numerous calls, including [from] the police,” Dr Gregory said.
“A lack of funding leaves us with increasingly stressed staff and long waiting lists for case management. We do what we can, but we need more staff.”
Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said violence against women and children was unacceptable.
She said the government invested more than $90 million annually to help change community attitudes, expand family violence prevention initiatives, support women and children who experience violence, and hold perpetrators to account.
Brimbank police Inspector Chris Gilbert urged men to “stand up” and never turn a blind eye to violence against women.
Speaking at a vigil for Ms Warzywoda in Sunshine last Tuesday, Inspector Gilbert said that while the justice system was “never going to be perfect”, violence of any nature should always be reported.
“Stand up, men,” he said. “It’s quite often the questions we don’t ask that are the ones that are most needed.”
– with The Age
Market day for Fiona Warzywoda’s children
A family market day this Saturday will raise money for Ms Warzywoda’s children.
The four children have very few clothes and are being cared for by a relative in slightly cramped conditions.
The fund-raiser, at Melton Community Hall, will include more than 50 stalls selling toys, children’s clothes, arts and crafts, cakes and hot meals.
Event organiser Melanie Farrugia urged people to get involved.
“Any donation, big or small, will be gratefully appreciated,” she said.
Some stall spaces are still available.
Entry to the indoor stalls is $2 for adults.
