The Shepparton Multidisciplinary Centre officially opened on Friday, March 7.
Amid a surge in reported violent and abusive incidents, Greater Shepparton has opened a new facility poised to change the way victims receive support.
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The Shepparton Multidisciplinary Centre brings specialist police and support services under one roof, aiming to provide an integrated and holistic response for victims of sexual offences, child abuse and family violence.
For safety reasons, the address of the centre, which opened on Friday, March 7, remains confidential.
Access to the facility is available only through referrals from local partner organisations.
Local partners include the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, the Australian Childhood Foundation, the Centre Against Sexual Assault, Goulburn Valley Health and Primary Care Connect.
In addition to being a safe space for reporting child abuse, the centre provides therapy services, including play therapy, for victims.
Over 20 detectives from Victoria Police’s Family Violence Investigation Units, along with staff from the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Teams, community nurses and other partner agencies, will work collaboratively at this location.
The services provided encompass counselling and advocacy support, therapeutic assistance, forensic medical services and guidance through the justice system.
Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent noted that the centre was one of eight of its kind in the state and served as an important new resource for Greater Shepparton.
“The Shepparton Multidisciplinary Centre has been designed to be a welcoming, safe and confidential location for victims to access dedicated care and support,” he said.
“It also ensures we have all the right agencies working together so victims have access to appropriate and timely services.”
One of the several therapy rooms in the new facility.
Recently, Victoria has been plagued with a high rate of family violence incidents.
In Greater Shepparton alone, police responded to more than 2200 family violence cases last year — a 28 per cent increase on the previous year.
Furthermore, Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett pointed out that there was a concerning six per cent rise in reported sexual offences to the police in the region over the past year.
Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett expressed pride in the collaborative efforts to launch the Shepparton MDC.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
“While we also continue to respond to increasing rates of sexual offences in the area, we know it remains under-reported given the significant barriers victims face in seeking help,” he said.
“We want victims of family violence, sexual offences and child abuse to know there is help available and facilities like the new Shepparton MDC to support them when they’re ready to report.”
News journalist Taylah Baker covered the Shepparton MDC opening, which included a smoking ceremony by the Wulumburra Community Group.
If you or someone close to you discloses that they are a victim of sexual offences or family violence, please believe them and encourage them to contact the police or a support service.
In case of an emergency, call 000. If you cannot get to a phone, ask someone else to make the call for you.
For more information on how Victoria Police is working to protect victim-survivors of family violence, visit police.vic.gov.au/family-violence
For more information on how Victoria Police is working to protect victim-survivors of sexual offences and child abuse, visit police.vic.gov.au/sexual-offences
Neil Morris from Wulumburra Community Group warmly welcomes everyone to the smoking ceremony.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
Uncle Bobby Nicholls was the first person to be cleansed in the smoke.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
A First Nations smoking ceremony involves wafting smoke towards oneself before moving on to cleanse the feet.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
Mick Bourke from Wulumburra Community Group continues to produce smoke while attendees participate in the cleansing ritual.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
The smoking is believed to have cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
A plaque was unveiled during the official opening of Shepparton MDC.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
