Lifesaving service “one sickie away” from closing

The Mt Druitt Family Violence Service is so short staffed it might have to close its doors without urgent action.

The service is unique as it’s the only service which works with women still in violent relationships, accepts male victims as clients, works with family violence including elder abuse, and works with young people 16 years and over. 

The service should have seven case workers, they currently have two, with one trainee. 

Stewart Little, General Secretary of the Public Service Association, said staffing is the issue.

 “They are one sick day away from closure, if one of the few staff that are there had a sick child to look after, or broke an ankle, that would be it, they would have to shut their doors.

 “Already when staff have been sick we’ve seen the service have to shut its doors temporarily.