Premier

Family Violence Prevention For Women With Disabilities

08 December 2016

The Andrews Labor Government today announced a funding boost to support the complex needs of women and girls with disabilities who are experiencing – or at risk of – family violence.

A $500,000 investment over two years will support Women with Disabilities Victoria to push for reforms to make family violence policies and services more inclusive of people with disabilities.

Ongoing training will be provided to people working in the sector to recognise and appropriately respond to family violence affecting the disability community.

More than 70 per cent of women with disabilities have experienced violence or sexual abuse at some point in their lives.

The announcement follows the release of Victoria’s first Gender Equality Strategy this week, which has a strong focus on empowering women and girls with disabilities.

This investment is key to the delivery of Recommendation 139, handed down by the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson

“Women with disabilities are 40 per cent more likely to be the victims of domestic violence than women without disabilities. It’s crucial that family violence services can support the needs of these women and girls.”

“Women with disabilities face unique challenges reporting family violence and accessing support. This funding will help address that.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability and Ageing Martin Foley

“We look forward to continuing to work with Women with Disabilities Victoria to break down more barriers as we implement our State Disability Plan and transition to the NDIS.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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