Services /
Family and Domestic Violence Services
SCWHS works collaboratively with other agencies to provide holistic support to women and children who have experienced or who are living in circumstances of family and domestic violence.
Family Abuse Advocacy Support Team (FAAST)
This service is a partnership between SCALES (Southern Communities Advocacy Legal Education Service) and SCWHS and has been operating since 1996 through recurrent funding arrangements from the Department for Community Development. There is no fee for this service but clients are required to be members of SCWHS Association.
The service is staffed by one solicitor and two counsellors. It provides counselling, information, advocacy, legal advice and support to people who are in, or escaping from domestic and family violence.
FAAST can assist with individual counselling, groups and therapy for women and children, attendance at hearings, assistance with Violence Restraining Order applications, police liaison, advice on family law matters and criminal injuries compensation and referrals.
“My ex tried to intimidate and control me and having the support of my counsellor has been a great help. ”
How to access this service
The service is open to all women. A referral is not needed. A small yearly access fee applies and is payable at the time of the appointment. No other fees apply. An appointment is needed.
FAAST also conducts children’s support groups. These groups are for children between 7 - 12 years of age and operate in school term times only. They are fun, play orientated groups which work through issues surrounding domestic violence / family abuse to increase children’s understanding. The groups also provide an opportunity to identify children with deeper issues for referral to specialist services.
How to access this service
Children may be referred by parents, caregivers, legal guardians or service providers. An appointment is needed. A small yearly access fee applies and is payable. No further fees apply.
All clients will be interviewed by a counsellor prior to commencing with groups to assess the suitability of the group for each child.