The Edon Place annual meeting last night heard the organisation received 800 family violence referrals from police in the past year and helped 163 women with counselling.
Edon Place is continuing its busy work to support families affected by domestic violence.
Established in 1978, Edon Place Domestic and Family Violence Centre is a non-government community based organisation providing specialist domestic and family violence support services in the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions.
President Edwina Rowan said much had happened over the past 12 months, including a partnership with the the Vulnerable Persons Unit at Bundaberg Police Station.
“One of the highlights of this year was the Candle Lighting Vigil held at the Bundaberg Police Station,” she said.
“Our staff have worked closely with the Queensland Police Service Vulnerable Persons Unit and the collaborative approach between the two organisations is pleasing. It is a close association that I hope will continue into the future.”
Edwina said the organisation’s Men’s Behavioral Change Program continued to be the only program of its kind operating in the area.
“We continue to receive very positive feedback from participants and the organisations who refer to the service,” she said.
“The Responsive and Respectful Choices Men’s Group Program is already proving successful in equipping men with the skills to break the domestic violence cycle.”
Edwina acknowledged the organisation’s many valued staff members, including service director Lyne Booth.
“Under Lyne’s leadership, the organisation continues to be recognised as the foremost domestic violence service and only accredited housing service for victims of domestic violence in the region,” she said.
“The role of the service director is an utterly demanding one and with the assistance of the coordinators and staff, the operations of the service are continuing to be consistent, empathetic , effective and sufficient.
“Lyne is someone to be admired for her unwavering dedication to the service”
Lyne and staff strive to support families
Having completed eight years as service director, Lyne said she continued to find the role fulfilling in many ways.
“This year Edon Place has continued to experience growth in the area of service delivery options,” she said.
“Firstly, we were successful with our funding application from the Department of Housing and Public Works- Dignity First Program, $100,000 over a 12 month period,” she said.
“This funding is to assist clients by the way of furniture, white goods, household items and linen when moving into new accommodation.”
Lyne said while Edon Place continued to strive to make a difference in the lives of families affected by domestic violence, she was saddened to hear of the reports attached to DV.
“We are still seeing on average more than one woman dying every week in Australia as a result of domestic and/or family violence at the hands of their partner of ex-partner,” she said.
“In 2018, it was recorded that 63 women lost their lives.
“At Edon Place we are committed to making a difference to the lives of those affected by providing wrap around services to ensure that families remain safe and free from violence.”
Edon Place service delivery 2018-19
- 800 referrals received from QPS
- 59 clients assisted through the Home Security Safety Upgrades program
- 272 female clients supported at DVF court with 167 Domestic Violence Protection Orders allocated
- 170 male clients supported with 99 Domestic Violence Orders allocated
- 74 women and 166 children supported with crisis accommodation
- 178 children provided with therapeutic support
- 163 women received counselling services
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