Working with Yemaya to protect women from family violence

The Tasmanian Government is continuing its commitment to Yemaya Women's Support Service in Launceston.

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence and Liberal Member for Rosevears, Jo Palmer, said Yemaya will receive $190,000 over the next three years to relocate to a new facility that better meets the growing demands of the service.

“Yemaya provides medium to long-term counselling and support to women who are experiencing, or have experienced, family violence,” Minister Palmer said.

“This vital funding will help Yemaya continue its incredible work for women and will improve safety and accessibility for those attending the service in person.

"The additional funding builds upon the Tasmanian Government’s current $2.1 million funding agreement over three years with Yemaya that sees it deliver its much-needed services.”

Yemaya Women’s Support Service CEO, Denise Tilley, says the additional funds will allow Yemaya to find a property with disability access and facilities to support women with disability.

"An increase in the number of individual counselling rooms available in our new premise will permit growth and greater capacity of our service," Ms Tilley said.

"Family violence is a complex issue that requires a collaborative approach, and we are pleased to be working with Ms Palmer to support women and stop the cycle of family violence."

The services Yemaya provides include one-on-one counselling and support, group programs, information and referral.

An important part of its work is to raise community awareness on the issue of intimate partner abuse.

Yemaya will also receive $617,000 over three years through the Australian Government’s 500 Workers Initiative administered by the Tasmanian Government to increase its capacity to provide family violence services through the employment of additional workers.

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