UNDERAGE victims of sexual abuse are being forced to endure waiting lists up to six months long to access Wagga’s support services because of a federal funding shortfall.
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It comes as a nine-year-old rape victim has reportedly suffered from serious mental health issues during her traumatising wait to meet with a local counsellor.
Her mother, who could not be identified for legal reasons, said her troubled daughter had “flown off the rails” during the dragged-out ordeal.
“She’s having serious issues and really falling behind at school but we can’t get her any help because there’s months and months of waiting,” she said.
“Since the ordeal she has become abusive, angry and just an unhappy little girl and nobody can really blame her.
“She desperately needs help but the help just isn’t there.”
The parent, who told The Daily Advertiser of her extreme difficulties managing day-to-day life, also lives with her war veteran husband who is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. (PTSD)
She joins a growing tally of parents who have allegedly fallen on deaf ears after making a desperate plea for help to the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS), formerly known as the Department of Community Services (DOCS).
It comes as the rate of indecent assault, acts of indecency and other sexual offences rose by 19.8 per cent in the Riverina the last 24 months, according to the latest Bureau of Crime statistics.
Police recorded 212 offences in the last financial year.
The Daily Advertiser was unable to obtain comment from FACS, but in a past response a spokesperson denied to comment on individual situations.
“The department understands that at times the public’s concern is at odds with our statutory requirement to protect privacy,” a spokesperson said.
“Nevertheless, in the interest of statutory privacy, FACS cannot comment on this matter.”
Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse can contact Respect on 1800 737 732.
