EastLink gives $100,000 to Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre

Continuing our commitment to assist local people experiencing disadvantage, EastLink has donated $100,000 to Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre.

This brings EastLink’s total for donations during 2021 to $500,000.

As the unprecedented impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Victorian community continues, one area of concern has been the increase in reports of family violence and in the types of violence being used. In the last year, Victoria Police responded to over 92,000 family incidents, or one incident every six minutes.

EastLink corporate affairs manager Doug Spencer-Roy said, “EastLink recognises that some local people living in the EastLink corridor have been directly affected and are experiencing family violence.”

“To assist local people experiencing family violence during these difficult times, EastLink has donated $100,000 to Safe Steps.”

Safe Steps is Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre, providing specialist support services for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing family violence.

Safe Steps welcomed EastLink’s initiative in providing assistance to community service providers to support people during these difficult times.

Safe Steps CEO Rita Butera said, “It continues to be such a challenging time for so many women and children following the COVID restrictions, and we’re seeing an increase in the volume of calls from victim survivors seeking help.”

“It is also encouraging to see an increase in calls from family and friends who are seeking advice on helping loved ones and people they care about,” she said.

“This support from EastLink will help us to continue to provide our service 24/7 at times of crisis.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing or afraid of family and domestic violence, please call Safe Steps for support on 1800 015 188 (24 hours / 7 days a week) or visit www.safesteps.org.au.

If you are concerned about your behaviour, please call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

Doug Spencer-Roy (EastLink) and Rita Butera (Safe Steps) with an award to mark the $100,000 donation (photos Nicole Cleary):

About Safe Steps

Safe Steps is Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre.

Safe Steps provides specialist support services for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence, including:

• Information and referral
• Crisis response
• Specialist family violence risk assessment
• Safety planning
• Access to supported crisis accommodation.

About EastLink

EastLink has now donated a total of $500,000 to community service providers during 2021:

• January 2021: $100,000 donation to Peninsula Community Legal Centre (more details)
• February 2021: $100,000 donation to Eastern Community Legal Centre (more details)
• March 2021: $100,000 donation to EACH for Eastern Financial Counselling Services (more details)
• April 2021: $100,000 donation to Beyond Blue (more details)
• May 2021: $100,000 donation to Safe Steps

As a leader in transport sustainability, EastLink is privileged to be able to deliver this significant program of donations to these essential services in our local community.