Support for survivors of childhood abuse
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, today announced additional funding of $165,000, which will allow Advocates for Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA) to continue to provide expert support to child abuse victims.
“The consequences of child abuse are devastating and long term which is why it is vital that survivors of child abuse trauma receive support with their emotional and physical recovery,” Mr Anthony said.
“With this funding, ASCA will be able to establish their National Network Development project, which will help support survivors of child abuse break the intergenerational cycle of violence, as well as employ an additional counsellor at their Mayumarri Healing Centre in Quorrobolong, NSW.
Liz Mullinar, founder of ASCA, said that the funding would help 500 survivors of child abuse receive the appropriate support and counselling they need to heal.
“Survivors of child abuse are enormously grateful to the interest that Larry Anthony has for this incredibly neglected area of social welfare.
“This funding is not just a bandaid solution, it is addressing a cause of trouble in our society –healing victims of abuse and preventing them from turning to drugs, alcohol, depression and homelessness to overcome the trauma they have been through,” Ms Mullinar said.
Mr Anthony said the additional funding builds upon the $238,500 Commonwealth grant to ASCA last year, under the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy, for a Parenting Project.
“However, more needs to be done. We all know that child protection is a state and territory responsibility and yet when their systems fail they are doing little for the survivors of abuse.
“The Coalition Government is investing significantly in the area of prevention and early intervention, funding a range of services through the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy, Child Abuse Prevention Program and broader positive parenting programs. We also make a substantial contribution to the support for survivors of childhood abuse via the Medicare system.
“Australia faces a real challenge in reducing child abuse and neglect. However, it is a challenge that cannot be met by government alone. The whole community has to take responsibility for the safety of our children,” Mr Anthony said.