The Andrews Labor Government is increasing access to men’s behaviour change programs to help break the cycle of family violence in Victoria.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos announced $1.25 million would go to programs across the state focused on support services for men with a history of family violence who are seeking help.
The funding includes $145,000 for Victorian AIDS Council’s Gay Men’s Health Centre, which delivers services to the LGBTIQ community.
This is the first time an LGBTIQ organisation has received funding for men’s family violence services in Victoria.
The Men’s Referral Service, which provides anonymous and confidential telephone counselling and referrals for men seeking help for violent and controlling behavior, will receive $145,000.
Agencies across Victoria that offer programs such as men’s group programs and men’s behaviour change programs will share in the remaining funding.
This investment is part of the Labor Government's $16 million Family Violence Fund established to respond to increased demand for services while awaiting the outcomes of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
In addition to this, a further $100,000 has been provided to support professional training for men’s behaviour change program facilitators, helping reduce waitlists.
In the 2015-16 Budget the Labor Government put $1 million toward men’s behaviour change programs as part of its $81.3 million boost to family violence services. This includes the establishment of Australia’s first Royal Commission into Family Violence which is due to hand down its findings in March 2016.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“More men who are ready to change will be able to access the interventions they need.”
“This funding will help reduce waiting lists for support services as part of our whole-of-government approach to fighting the community-wide issue of family violence.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson
“Violence is unacceptable in any family. These programs help men change the attitudes and behaviours that enable violence in the home, and they’re an essential part of our Government’s prevention strategy.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Equality Martin Foley
“It’s about time we recognized that family violence affects every part of society. We look forward to working with the Victorian AIDS Council to ensure that LGBTI Victorians have access to services that are designed for them.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020