A new program aimed at strengthening support for domestic violence victims will be rolled out in the Macleay later this year.
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Three members of NSW parliament gathered with the Mid North Coast’s top cops and support providers at Kempsey police station on June 13 for an information session on the Safer Pathways program.
Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey and Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams were joined by the minister for the prevention of domestic violence Pru Goward at the meeting.
Mid North Coast Superintendent Paul Fehon said the program would be a valuable asset to the area, with the command currently sitting at number eight in the state for apprehended violence orders.
The Safer Pathways program aims to cut down on the trauma suffered by domestic violence victims by bringing together local agencies to create a streamlined, integrated referral pathway for victims.
Ms Goward said that the program would prevent victims of domestic violence having to recount their story to multiple agencies.
“We know that when a person experiences domestic violence they struggle with where to go,” Ms Goward said.
“Safer Pathways means that no longer will a domestic violence victim have to retell their stories to a multitude of organisations.”
Mrs Pavey said the NSW Government was committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence in the Mid North Coast LAC and across NSW.
“It is wonderful to see that this initiative will be rolled out to the Mid North Coast LAC from September this year,” said Mrs Pavey.
The NSW Government has committed $53 million over four years to expand Safer Pathway state-wide, with Kempsey one of 21 new locations rolled out in 2016-17.
The program is expected to be in place in Kempsey from September this year.
Following the session Ms Goward and Mrs Pavey also attended the Kempsey Community Services Centre on Elbow St for a meet and greet with frontline case workers.