A financial counsellor will soon be helping family violence victims and survivors in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
Recruitment and training is underway for 10 new, full-time counsellors specialising in financial abuse to be placed in agencies across Victoria, Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz announced on Tuesday 6 September.
They’ll negotiate with creditors and debt collectors to help those in abusive relationships to protect assets from repossession and access financial hardship programs.
Existing financial counsellors will also receive financial abuse training under the $1.75 million State Government project, and the cash will help utilities, telecommunications, finance companies and more to develop guidelines to respond to family violence and financial abuse.
There will be the equivalent of one full-time specialist financial abuse counsellor working in the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia region.
All financial counsellors working at South East Community Links (SECL) in Springvale, which services the region, will have training in supporting victims of financial abuse.
“Family violence takes many forms. These ground-breaking initiatives targeting financial abuse will go a long way to helping victims and those at risk,” Ms Kairouz said.
“This is an Australian first. Financial counsellors specifically helping victims of family violence or financial abuse is a key response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission.
“Specialised private and confidential counselling services will help financial abuse survivors and victims create a better life for themselves.”
