14 Sep 2016 Yea Chronicle, Yea VIC (General News) VICTIMS of family violence in Northern Victoria who suffer financially at the hands of perpetrators will have access to new specially trained financial counsellors, thanks to a $1.75 million investment by the state government. Labor Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes said financial abuse is a form of family violence where perpetrators often take full control of their victims savings and spending, rendering them financially dependent and trapped in abusive relationships. Ms Symes said recruitment and training is underway for financial counsellors, who will be placed in agencies across country Victoria to service the local Government areas of Mitchell, Murrindindi, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Alpine, Benalla, Indigo, Towong, Wangaratta, Wodonga, Whittlesea and Yarra. The financial counsellors will help by negotiating with creditors and debt collectors, helping to protect assets from repossession and helping victims access financial hardship programs. The funding will be used to employ 10 new, full-time family violence financial counsellors and provide financial abuse training to all Victorian financial counsellors. It will also help industry including utilities, telecommunications andfinance-develop guidelines to respond to family violence and financial abuse. This new funding is in addition to the $7.8 million provided for the financial counselling program run by Consumer Affairs Victoria. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.