AUSTRALIA
The Courier
By FIONA HENDERSON Aug. 2, 2013
THE Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault’s referrals have risen 25 per cent in the wake of the state government’s inquiry into institutionalised sexual abuse.
However, the Ballarat CASA, along with the 14 other Victorian CASAs, have been refused federal government funding to help survivors and their families through the Royal Commission into child sexual abuse.
The CASA Forum Peak Body said its 15 members provided the most comprehensive and extensive services to sexual abuse victims, including trauma counselling, advocacy and police liaison.
CASA Forum spokesperson Carolyn Worth said the three agencies allocated $45 million in mid-July to help victims, including Relationships Australia, Berry Street and Drummond Street, were excellent in relationship counselling and family support services but did not have the resources to deal with victims.
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