Domestic Violence Forum on Older People

Today's forum had 2 guest speakers - Carolyn Tanner from the new Tenancy Support service run by On Track Community Programs, and Paula Wiles from Clarence Valley Community Programs' Aged Care Services. Vicki St Lawrence who is developing the Ageing Strategy for Clarence Valley Council also attended. Unfortunately attendance was poor, though those few of us that were there learnt a lot and had an interesting discussion.

The Tenancy Support Far North Coast is a 2 year Pilot for people at risk of losing their tenancy. The two criteria are 1) that a family (single or couple, and including carers/grandparents etc) have children under 18 years old, and 2) that they have existing accomodation but are 3 or more weeks behind in their rent. The service is able to broker funds for families and is flexible in how support is provided. Each family is also provided with 16 weeks case management with the aim of getting the family out of crisis and functioning well after that time. In her work with victims of domestic violence, Carolyn's emphasis was enabling them to remain in the home by using funds and contacts to change locks and tenancy details etc. Carolyn also works closely with the Salvation Army who now have a complementary 1 year pilot for addressing homelessness - through cross referrals and advice. Carolyn can be contacted on 02 66426399.

Paula spoke on issues such as the need to develop the local Interagency Protocol for Responding to Abuse of Older People so that all major services had an active role, and described some of the types of abuse cases that she had known of and the ways in which she was able to find solutions, as well as the many barriers. Paula can be contacted on 02 66427257.

Thankyou very much to Carolyn and Paula for their time and information.

The next Forum will be on October 21st at the Grafton Council Chambers and the issue will be the Impact of Domestic Violence on Children and Young People. Hoping more can get to that one!

And on that issue, check out the new website link to the right - Love - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly - a website for young people about relationships.