The former Warr-nambool resident has been appointed Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West’s first Warrnambool-based research and policy health promotion officer and said women’s health needed to be considered as part of all regional plans.

Part of her role is to collect and distribute data that highlights the health needs of women in the region and includes contributing to the Great South Coast family violence strategy.

“At a national level we know one in three women will experience physical violence in their lifetime and one in five will experience sexual violence,” she said.

“In Victoria violence against women is the leading cause of death and disability.”

Ms Mahony said there was great need for support and services but there was also a need to prevent violence.

Other priorities include progressing action about access to family planning services in this sub-region, starting with a forum in Warrnambool today and contributing to municipal health and wellbeing plans.

?cquirk@fairfaxmedia.com.au