- Dedicated counselling service for young people affected by family and domestic violence now open in Rockingham
- Service will be delivered by Communicare and able to support more than 270 young Western Australians annually
- Delivers on McGowan Government election commitment
Young people who have been affected by family and domestic violence are now able to access a dedicated counselling service, OpenSpace, in Rockingham.
The service forms part of the McGowan Government’s $60 million package of election commitments towards family and domestic violence (FDV) initiatives, specifically support for young people who have experienced or witnessed FDV.
OpenSpace, operated by Communicare, aims to support young people aged 10-24 years, including young Aboriginal, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+ people, as well as young parents.
It will offer programs and activities that support healing and social connection, tailored to the individual person’s age and cultural background.
Young people will also have access to local safe spaces through the program, including counselling for young people in appropriate locations such as the Rockingham Youth Centre and local area schools.
Another youth family and domestic violence counselling service for young people is also planned for Northam, with work underway to appoint a suitable service provider.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
“For young people, the trauma of family and domestic violence can impact their health, mental health and education, as well as their ability to have healthy relationships with others.
“OpenSpace has been co-designed with the Rockingham community, including young people, to make sure services are practical, culturally safe and meet individual needs.
“Communicare has a strong track record of providing services that help to empower young people and families in our community, including in Rockingham and surrounding areas.
“This new program will give hope to young people affected by family and domestic violence and importantly, help them recover and grow.”
As stated by Rockingham MLA Mark McGowan:
“Violence in the home is never acceptable and this counselling service in Rockingham is an important step to help protect young people and disrupt the cycle of violence.
“This program forms part of our $60 million of election commitments towards family and domestic violence initiatives, including family violence counselling programs for young people.
“Our Government is committed to ensuring people who are impacted by family and domestic violence have access to every opportunity to recover and rebuild their lives.”
