Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Jacquie Petrusma, announced an additional $250,000 in funding for Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) yesterday. This comes on top of the State Government’s recent commitment to develop a new State sexual violence action plan.
SASS CEO Jill Maxwell welcomed the announcement.
“Over the past five years we have seen a 74 per cent increase in referrals for our counselling services. Last financial year our team saw 1033 clients, and this year we have surpassed that number.”
“This additional funding allows us to respond directly to the increased demand by employing two more full time counsellors and a part-time administration officer for the next twelve months.“
“This will make an immediate and tangible impact for many Tasmanian survivors of sexual violence” says Jill.
As well as the increase in funding, Jill anticipates the new State sexual violence action plan will help shape support services, as well as prevention services, moving forward.
The Minister met with SASS staff yesterday to start discussions about the plan, which is being developed over the coming year.
“This plan is something I have been advocating for, and I commend both the Premier and Minister Petrusma for taking this forward.”
SASS will commence recruitment for the new roles enabled through the $250,000 increase in funding immediately.
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For further information contact: Jill Maxwell, CEO on @email