Ballarat Sexual Assault Support Service Misses out on Funding

By Fiona Henderson
The Courier
August 2, 2013

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1680555/ballarat-sexual-assault-support-service-misses-out-on-funding/?cs=61

THE Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault’s referrals have risen 25 per cent in the wake of the state government’s inquiry into institutionalised sexual abuse.

However, the Ballarat CASA, along with the 14 other Victorian CASAs, have been refused federal government funding to help survivors and their families through the Royal Commission into child sexual abuse.

The CASA Forum Peak Body said its 15 members provided the most comprehensive and extensive services to sexual abuse victims, including trauma counselling, advocacy and police liaison.

CASA Forum spokesperson Carolyn Worth said the three agencies allocated $45 million in mid-July to help victims, including Relationships Australia, Berry Street and Drummond Street, were excellent in relationship counselling and family support services but did not have the resources to deal with victims.

“Many sexual assault survivors have had multiple instances of sexual assault and experience issues that require this ongoing advocacy work,” Ms Worth said. “It is not appropriate to refer people to agencies that do not specialise in this area.

“Sexual assault trauma requires specialist skills in terms of both the services provided, and the range of awareness, and care needed to support both victim survivors and also counselslors.”

Ms Worth said it was concerning the federal government viewed sexual assault by clergy and other people in positions of power as a relationship issue when it was a crime.

“Failing to fund Centres Against Sexual Assault demonstrates a concerning ignorance for the expertise that has been built up over three decades.

“Without additional funding, Victorian CASAs are left to struggle with increased demand on their services and escalating waiting times.”

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs said more than 100 funding applications were received and organisations were selected through a strict selection process.

Department spokesperson Tammy Smallhorn said the demand for services and client needs would be monitored throughout the Royal Commission.

“If necessary, the government will explore options to fill any identified gaps in the broad range of services being offered,” Ms Smallhorn said.

“Organisations are encouraged to share their data with the department to assist monitoring this demand.”

Contact: fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au