More counsellors to help combat domestic violence

West Gosford-based Peninsula Lighthouse, which provides support systems for those suffering the trauma of domestic and family violence, has secured $10,000 in Community Building Partnerships Program (CBP) funding from the NSW Government.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the funding would help Peninsula Lighthouse’s counselling team to continue their important work

“The day-to-day work of organisations such as Peninsula Lighthouse is critical in addressing family, domestic and sexual violence,” she said.

“It is simply unacceptable that a woman dies every four days on average at the hands of a partner.

“I am glad to see training and coaching for counsellors securing CBP funding from the NSW Government.”

Peninsula Lighthouse founder Natasha Kelley said demand for domestic violence counsellors and social workers was exceeding supply.

“As we know, sadly, domestic violence is on the increase, across the state and within our own community,” she said.

“Peninsula Lighthouse helps families living in or leaving domestic violence.

“There are not enough counsellors and social workers that specialise in these issues to keep up with demand.

“This funding goes towards the training and coaching of new counsellors to work with families to enable them to resolve conflict within the home, without the use of violence.

“The funding not only benefits Peninsula Lighthouse in training and equipping new counsellors to help those in need, but it also benefits our community as a whole, as new counsellors are skilled to assist people in our local community who need crisis and trauma-informed support.

“It will assist in improving the mental health of our help-seekers and provide them with practical support and pathways to transform their lives from simply surviving to thriving.”

Peninsula Lighthouse provides ongoing casework with community clients, referrals to other services (accommodation, food, legal, trauma assistance, care, counselling and job-seeking), information sessions and mentoring.