New Arch Centres provide state-wide support to victim-survivors

The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to eliminating family and sexual violence.

Minister for Police Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said that the Tasmanian Government is investing $20.1 million into three Arch Centres in Tasmania to provide victim-survivors of sexual violence with wraparound, trauma-informed care in a single location.

Announced yesterday, our Government will invest $5 million to establish a third Arch Centre in the North-West, which will accompany the other Centres that are already operating in the North and South.

The additional funding to support the North-West facility will see 8 specialist sex crime investigators, as well as more support service staff and members from child safety services, to support the region. Having these services under one roof ensures they are readily accessible to victim-survivors.

“These Centres have been designed in close consultation with victim-survivors and support sector experts to ensure they are most appropriate to support victim-survivors at their time of need.

“Co-location of services under one roof means that victim-survivors only have to attend one location to receive the help they need.

“We are making changes to assist people to come forward in an environment of support and understanding and to seek and receive help in a therapeutic environment.

“Our vision is for a Tasmania where everyone is safe, equal and respected, and our homes and communities are free from sexual violence.

“I want to thank all victim-survivors who contributed to the development of these Centres and also acknowledge the work of Minister Jo Palmer and Minister Madeleine Ogilvie in establishing the Government’s third Family and Sexual Violence and Action Plan, and former Minister Jacquie Petrusma who was instrumental in establishing this service,” Minister Ellis said.