The State Government has committed funding to extend the Kimberley Sexual Abuse Prevention and Support Service (KSAPSS) operated by Anglicare WA.
KSAPSS offers free counselling to child and adult victims of sexual abuse and assault, providing a safe environment where survivors can work through trauma with highly qualified counsellors.
The Department of Communities (Communities) has secured funding of $643,000 to extend the service for a further 12 months to June 30, 2023.
The service had previously been funded by the Commonwealth Government through the Western Australian Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA). Communities is working with WAPHA and Anglicare WA to enable a smooth transition of funding agreement from WAPHA to Communities.
KSAPSS staff are based in Broome and Kununurra, but also offer outreach travel across the Kimberley for people in remote Aboriginal communities.
The service receives referrals from the Kimberley Joint Response Team, which is a partnership that includes the WA Police Force and Communities, and provides proactive outreach to Kimberley communities to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.
Approximately 300 people access support services through KSAPSS each year.
As stated by Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk:
“I am pleased the State Government has been able to step in to ensure the Kimberley Sexual Abuse Prevention and Support Service can continue for a further 12 months.
“In addition to one-on-one counselling, Anglicare WA also provides community education initiatives about sexual abuse, protective behaviours and community safety planning.
“The State Government is committed to supporting survivors of child sexual abuse and ensuring they have access to specialist services that help them heal.”
