By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A $10 MILLION sexual assault support centre in Dandenong keeps victims a long way from offenders.
Opened in a secret location well away from Langhorne Street police station, the multi-disciplinary centre houses a 70-strong list of specialist police, counsellors, child protection workers, a nurse and forensic doctors.
It is the biggest of four such centres in the state, reflecting the prevalence of such assaults and abuse in Melbourne’s south-east, says co-manager Detective Senior Sergeant Bryce Pettett of the police’s Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team.
“The important thing is it keeps victims and perpetrators separate. We don’t want offenders to meet victims here.”
On the ground floor is a bright, welcoming reception area in front of a child’s play room and police interview rooms, including video-recording suites for recording statements from child victims.
There are also counselling rooms. Victims – sometimes unsure of whether to report abuse or assaults – can talk through options with a South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault counsellor.
Upstairs are two forensic medical suites and clinics administered by Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine doctors and a Monash Health nurse.
It will also be a training centre for MDC staff across the state.
Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said the co-location of nursing and forensic medical services would improve services for victims.
“(It) means that assault victims will no longer need to attend a local public hospital to access these important services.
“It affords victim/survivors with a level of confidentiality while enabling them to receive counselling and support, as well as speak with police about the nature of the offence they have experienced, all in the one client-centred location.”
Details: 8769 2200.
