Family Violence and Disability Practice Leader Initiative – Secondary Consultations
The Family Violence and Disability Practice Leader at Berry Street has been employed as part of the Family Violence and Disability Practice Leader Initiative, a two-year pilot program in partnership with Safe and Equal, Women With Disabilities Victoria, and Sexual Assault Services Vic, and funded by Family Safety Victoria.
As well as the initiative operating in the North East Metro Area (NEMA), there are currently two other practice leaders working in Barwon and Gippsland DFFH regions as part of the pilot.
The aim of the initiative is to strengthen access to specialist family violence and sexual assault support for people with disabilities at risk of family violence and ensure that support is inclusive of, and tailored to, the needs of people with disabilities. This is achieved through the provision of secondary consultations, distribution of information regarding relevant training opportunities, advocacy services and emerging best practice and providing support and advice to organisations to develop tailored Disability Action Plans to enhance access to specialist family violence and sexual assault services.
The Family Violence and Disability Practice Leader also provides support to local disability advocacy organisations to increase knowledge and access to specialist family violence and sexual assault services.
The following services in NEMA can request a secondary consultation:
- Specialist Family Violence Programs
- Sexual Assault Services
- Family Violence Counselling Services
- Disability Advocacy Services
- Disability Services.
To request a secondary consultation or to progress work on your organisation’s Disability Action Plan, contact the FV & Disability Practice Leader, Kerry Ladiges directly on 0437 135 546 or kladiges@berrystreet.org.au.
(Source: Family Violence and Disability Practice Leader Initiative Bulletin, July 2022)
