An enhanced safety hub at Berri is offering more assistance and improved service delivery for women and their children experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
The Riverland Domestic Violence Service, run by Centacare Catholic Services, has been expanded to become a safety hub, with support from the State Government.
The Liberal Government has committed to opening nine safety hubs in regional areas, with each to be tailored to the needs of that community.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink and Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Carolyn Power visited the Berri service today.
“As Centacare was already developing a service, we decided to work in partnership to deliver an expanded offering and seamless service to clients,” said Minister Lensink.
“Our support has enabled the co-location of a clinical specialist nurse from Country Health Connect, as well as Women’s Legal Services and improved outreach services.
“It’s an excellent example of the benefits of working together with local service providers.
“We’re ensuring we’re tailoring each safety hub to address the specific needs of the local community, with models in each region informed by consultation at domestic violence roundtable forums held earlier this year.”
The RDVS is a crisis supported accommodation service for women and their children leaving domestic or family violence in Berri and the Murray Mallee region.
It also has a specialised hub of on-site services and direct referral links to other agencies and providers. On-site services cover rape and sexual assault, family intervention, counselling, drug and alcohol services, legal services and health services.
Connections with external services help with police, housing, community mental health, financial counselling and medical services.
Mrs Power said the partnership had enabled the improved delivery of holistic services for clients.
“The collaborative approach means case management timeframes can be shortened and women and their children can make a fresh start more quickly,” said Mrs Power.
“Information sharing also means clients don’t have to keep telling their story to different service providers.”
The location of the Berri safety hub is confidential.
The team can be reached on (08) 8582 2100, after hours at 1800 800 098 or at .
The state’s first Government-led safety hub opened in Murray Bridge last month. Known as The Haven, it is a partnership between the State Government and the Murray Bridge Community Centre, with support from local community organisations.
