By Bridie Byrne
ASSAULT victims will have access to a new support service at the Werribee Police Station in a bid to end the cycle of domestic violence.
A case manager is set to be based at the station, instead of the Western Region Health Centre, for four days a week over the next six months.
Victims will also be offered advice in how to navigate the criminal justice system.
Senior Sergeant Dagmar Andersen said the new approach would help victims to recover from the effects of crime.
“This will make it more accessible to people in the western region and our posting was useful,” she said.
“The rise in assaults in Wyndham is a response to family violence and our number of charges has increased.
“People are becoming more confident in reporting crimes to police.”
The City of Wyndham has some of the highest rates of domestic violence in the state.
More than 740 cases of family violence have plagued the municipality over the lastfinancial year.
There were 40 intervention orders issued in November alone.
The latest Victoria Police statistics show assaults have increased by a staggering 35.9 per cent.
Sen Sgt Andersen said the pilot will be evaluated at the end of the six-month period.
“It will probably continue but we might have a few changes than a withdrawal of the service,” she said.
For further information contact the Victims of Crime Helpline free call on 1800 819 817.
