GRANTS worth $1 million will help fund crucial post-crisis support for victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence in the Hunter New England and Central Coast region.
The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) have opened grant applications for mental health and care providers throughout the district until December 6.
The network's safe and families manager, Shannon Richardson said they were looking for innovative and grassroots programs that went beyond traditional mental health approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
Alternate methods could range from adventure, bush, play, art or somatic therapy, she said.
"Traditionally most domestic, family, sexual violence funding has been in the crisis space, and that's where it was needed," Ms Richardson said.
"But we also know that there's a significant investment needed in post-crisis support for people who have experienced domestic, family and sexual violence," she said.
Ms Richardson said that focusing on mental health support for victim-survivors could help prevent intergenerational cycles of violence and abuse.
The region-wide grant is an extension of HNECC PHN's supporting recovery for victim-survivors pilot in Moree and the Central Coast.
Receiving federal funding in 2023, local service providers launched their programs a couple months ago, Ms Richardson said.
"Providers are excited that they're actually funded to deliver these crucial services that have a significant gap in our service sector," she said.
The HNECC PHN is a not-for-profit organisation funded by the federal government, created to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the primary health care system.
The new healing and recovery grants are designed to provide funding to place-based and time-limited initiatives.
There are two categories; one for services tailored to First Nations people that are culturally safe and one for community services.
Ms Richardson said the pilot program and the new grants were aimed at fostering a whole family response to violence and recognising children in their own right.
She said the network was working to shift the narrative from violence as purely a social or justice issue.
"We need to be looking at domestic, family, and sexual violence as a significant public health issue and a national emergency," she said.
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research revealed in the 12 months to June 2024, police proceeded with 483 domestic Apprehended Violence Orders breaches in Newcastle and 632 in Lake Macquarie.
On Wednesday November 6 from 10am to 11am, there will be an online webinar for service providers to gain more information and ask questions.
To find out more information visit the grants page.
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.
