The McGowan Government has highlighted the work of trauma support organisation angelhands by presenting a $350,000 Lotterywest grant to continue its work.
For 17 years, angelhands has assisted victims of trauma with strategies to cope, access to support networks and finding pathways to recovery.
Presented by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk today, the grant will fund support programs for people impacted by trauma that help with the establishment of pathways to recovery.
These programs offer tools, skills and strategies for addressing and recovering from trauma, including bringing people affected by violence together so they meet others in similar situations in a residential retreat setting.
This grant is a timely investment in the work of angelhands, with Western Australia recording the largest number of family and domestic violence-related homicides of all Australian States and Territories in 2018, with 37 such offences.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk:
"Stopping the scourge of family and domestic violence and reducing its impact on the community are key priorities for the McGowan Government.
"We are working on a long-term strategy for preventing family and domestic violence across Western Australia.
"With women continuing to die and be injured at the hands of their partners, the work of organisations such as angelhands is unfortunately a necessary service in our communities.
"This grant recognises the important work that angelhands does in supporting people recovering from trauma."
As stated by angelhands Chair Karen Roberts:
"Our staff and volunteers provide WA families hope and healing on their recovery from extreme trauma.
"We are honoured to have received this Lotterywest funding grant through the State Government and will continue our work to provide the very best support and care to people in need."
As stated by East Metropolitan Region MLC Alanna Clohesy:
"There is a need for trauma support services like those provided by angelhands in the community, including for women experiencing family and domestic violence.
"This grant will enable angelhands to continue its valuable work assisting those affected by extreme trauma with their recovery."
