SUPPORT workers hope a $40,000 funding boost for Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre will help address an increase in family violence incidents.
Community West chief executive Rachna Muddagouni said there had been a 24 per cent increase in reports of family violence from December 2011 to December 2012.
“That puts Melton and Bacchus Marsh in the top bracket for the state,” she said. “Reports are predominantly coming from the Melton area.”
As reported by the Weekly, the latest police statistics revealed incidences of family violence in Melton had increased 18 per cent (402 to 478) and 77 per cent (80 to 142) in Moorabool.
Legal Aid funding announced last week will allow more people to access advice and court representation. Access to legal help at the Melton legal centre will be increased from three to five days a week.
Victorian Legal Aid director Kristen Hilton said there was a “pressing demand” for help.
“It will mean people affected by family violence can see a lawyer who will help them use the protection of the law to stay safe and link them to other family support services such as counselling or refuges.”
Ms Muddagouni said family violence issues were typical of growth corridors like Melton, which suffered from social exclusion and had limited public transport access.
“We’ve also found a high level of people seeking assistance who have limited English skills, so they’re not informed about the processes available either.”
Melton single mother of three Maria (not her real name) said in the 20-plus years she had spent in the area, she’d relied on the legal centre’s help more times than she’d like to remember.
Originally from South America, she said she was delighted the centre would be open five days a week, as it was a place where she felt safe and respected. “I have never had to wait longer than a week to get assistance. Money can be difficult for me, so I appreciate the help they provide.”
Melton’s Inspector Stephen Mutton said the funding was positive news. “We often speak to family members who might need legal help but can’t see a lawyer because it takes too long.”
Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre: 9971 1800.
