By ALESHA CAPONE
POLICE have referred more than 270 domestic violence victims from Hobsons Bay to a support service during the past financial year.
Women’s Health West (WHW) is based in Footscray and offers a family violence support service for women and children across the West.
Figures supplied to Star reveal police referred 278 cases of domestic violence from Hobsons Bay to WHW during 2011-2012, up from 264 in the previous 12 months.
Requests for help with domestic violence in Hobsons Bay were made at an average of once every two days.
Hobsons Bay was fourth-highest for domestic violence on the list of the seven council areas served by WHW.
Wyndham was first with 780 referrals, followed by Brimbank with more than 680 and Melton at just below 630.
Maribyrnong ranked last with just under 135 cases and Moonee Valley logged more than 200.
But WHW health promotion worker, Erin Richardson, said councils across the West were working towards reducing violence against women.
Hobsons Bay City Council is planning to implement ‘A Prevention Of Violence Against Women’ policy statement.
The council’s June quarter operations plan, released at the latest council meeting, said work has commenced on a discussion paper for the policy.
Ms Richardson commended the council for taking action on family violence.
“Women’s Health West are delighted to see that Hobsons Bay City Council are working towards the development and implementation of a policy on preventing violence against women,” she said.
“To be effective, we know that organisational efforts to prevent violence against women must be supported by organisational leaders, so we are really encouraged to see such strong leadership from within Hobsons Bay.
“Local councils have been recognised by VicHealth as key settings for preventing violence against women, largely because of the scope of the services they provide.”
Contact: WHW during business hours on 9689 9588 or Domestic Violence Victoria on 1800 015 188.
