THE Tara Costigan Foundation (TCF) will announce the launch of the first Tara’s Angel during its Ladies Lunch Garden Party in Canberra today.

Michael Costigan, Chief Executive Officer of TCF, said the Tara’s Angel caseworker service will help victims of family and domestic violence to rebuild their lives by providing personalised case management support for up to two years.

“Working with survivors after the post-crisis care period, the Angels will deliver a valuable holistic support system that helps clients who have suffered years of abuse to build self-esteem, a strong mind and independence, while also assisting in areas such as improving economic literacy, securing employment and housing support. The Angels will also connect clients with other support services that already exist. We know there are fantastic services out there and the Angel will be able to co-ordinate these services during the clients journey.

“We know that people who have experienced domestic and family violence have had almost all of their confidence eroded. They are more than capable, but they need someone they can trust as they rebuild the person they once were, or become someone new. The Tara’s Angel will be a practical guardian angel, helping clients to navigate, connect with and coordinate vital services.

“The Tara’s Angels will be deployed from November 1. The Angel will act as a counsellor, mentor, guide, trusted friend, a rebuilder of lives, and is a qualified social worker.

“Through TCF’s tireless efforts of fundraising the service can now begin.

“Since Tara’s murder, the Tara Costigan Foundation has made it their mission to honour the memory of Tara, and all victims of family violence, with their tireless work to defeat family and domestic violence through awareness and education campaigns, lobbying and advocacy work, and hosting Australia’s first National Family Violence Summit in March 2016.”