NEWS DESK
‘Pathways’ reveal domestic violence Keith Platt keith@baysidenews.com.au INCREASING money for free legal services could help improve the early detection of family violence on the Mornington Peninsula and in Frankston. The Peninsula Community Legal Centre, which has offices in Frankston, Rosebud and Cranbourne, says increasing the financing of “health justice partnerships” is a key to improving the early detection of family violence. In a submission to Victoria’s mental health royal commission, the legal centre says “specialist pathways” are needed to connect patients who are victims of domestic violence to lawyers experienced in psychosocial health and family violence. These pathways must come from both the public and private health sectors. The submission is aimed at “improving the provision of legal services to those suffering psychosocial disability”. “Our recommendations aim to improve the provision of legal assistance to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable clients in our community,” the submission stated. “These recommendations are informed by our extensive work with those experiencing psychosocial disability. “The fact that 28 per cent of our general legal services clients experience psychosocial health issues, directs our recommendation for a substantial increase in funding to the legal assistance sector to support clients with complex needs when facing family law matters, fines, tenancy issues, civil and criminal legal matters. “Over 50 per cent of our family law clients experience family violence and we have seen the
detrimental impact that exposure to family violence can have on our client’s mental well being. “As part of our recommendations, we see the funding of health justice partnerships as key to improving the early detection of family violence. “Specialist pathways to the legal sector provided through the public and private health system, are vital in connecting patients to lawyers that are trained/experienced in both psychosocial health and family violence. The legal centre said early detection of family violence and relevant referrals “can improve the mental wellbeing of a client/patient and make their journey through the legal process less protracted”.
Working off fines PENINSULA Community Legal Centre’s infringement clients have on average owe more than $11,000 in fines. The legal centre’s fines clinic has been running for more than three years and has created a work and development permit scheme to help clients “work off” fines. The Legal Services Board has given the PCLC the go ahead to integrate the scheme into Melbourne’s southern region. Ways clients can reduce fines include undergoing treatment by a health practitioner or drug and alcohol counseling; doing unpaid work; studying a course; or attending a mentoring program (under 25 years). PCLC is looking for sponsors from the health care sector to become involved in the project. Call 9873 3600 or lsanderson@pclc.org.au. Details: pclc.org.au/get-information/informationabout-us/
Play pals: Frankston grandmother Kaye with grandchildren Freddie, 1, and Will, 4, at the newly opened Seaford North Reserve Playground. Picture: Supplied
Five playgrounds open gates FIVE new playgrounds have opened up around the Frankston area this month. Seaford, Langwarrin, Skye, and Frankston South are now home to five new play spaces between them. A total of over $1 million in ratepayer money was used on the five playgrounds during their construction. A total of $500,000 was spent on a new playset at Seaford North Reserve. Frankston grandmother Kaye visited the playground with her grandchildren Will and Freddie. “It’s been great watching the playground construction and we’ve been really excited for it to finish,” she said. “My grandsons love playing outside so we are thrilled to have a colourful, safe and fun new
playground nearby to help burn off some energy.” The mayor Michael O’Reilly said “the new district level playground at Seaford North Reserve, and the others, are mainly the result of community feedback.” “After extensive community consultation, our open spaces and civil infrastructure teams have been working together these past few months to develop revitalised, safe and environmentally friendly community spaces for the whole community to enjoy,” he said. The five playgrounds can be found at Seaford North Reserve, Flame Robin Reserve in Langwarrin, Darnley Reserve in Skye, Wisewould Reserve in Seaford, and Yamala Park in Frankston South.
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Benefits of GREENWAYS • Health & Wellbeing – visiting Doctor, podiatrist, pathology, physio, chemist, •
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330 Frankston Dandenong Rd, Seaford, Vic. 3198 Frankston Times
27 August 2019
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