Kimberley Sexual Abuse Prevention and Support Service program extended for 12 months

A Kimberley program aimed at supporting sexual abuse survivors has received additional funding from the State Government to extend operations by 12 months. The Kimberley Sexual Abuse Prevention and Support Service (KSAPSS), operated by Anglicare WA, offers free counselling to child and adult victims of sexual abuse and assault. It delivers support to about 300 people each year. The State Government announced this month it had provided an extra $643,000 to enable the program to continue until June 30, 2023. KSPASS staff are based in Broome or Kununurra but often travel across the Kimberley to help those in remote communities. Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk said the State Government was committed to supporting survivors of child sexual abuse and ensuring they had access to specialist services to help them heal. “In addition to one-on-one counselling, Anglicare WA also provides community education initiatives about sexual abuse, protective behaviours and community safety planning,” she said. The service has previously been funded by the WA Primary Health Alliance, which will now work with the Department of Communities to ensure a smooth transition.