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Initiative On Track To Help Keep Women And Children Safer

07 October 2015

The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering a Personal Safety Initiative for women and children who experience family violence, to help keep them safe in their own homes and communities.

Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos is asking family violence specialist agencies to submit an expression of interest to trial the pilot project in four locations.

It will be an opportunity to test how technology such as CCTV and personal safety cards can be employed to improve the safety of women and children who experience family violence.

The $900,000 trial will enable the Labor Government to test what works before considering a broader rollout.

Women who participate in the pilot will also receive case management support to ensure that the use of technology is part of a broader plan for safety and wellbeing.

Earlier pilots initiated by community agencies in Victoria have highlighted the benefits of technology in keeping women and children safe, both in their homes and in public areas.

The Andrews Labor Government will work with the Federal Government following its recent commitment for funding in this area to maximise positive outcomes for women and children.

The tender process will take four weeks with the pilot expected to start before the end of this year.

Fulfilling an election commitment, this funding is part of the Government’s $81.3 million package to boost family violence services, including the establishment of Australia’s first Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“Combining technological solutions with existing services to help keep women and children safer in their own homes and communities is an important step towards further empowerment.”

“I will be watching this pilot with interest – we hope to build on this initial investment and help many more women and children across the state.”

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

“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to fixing our broken system and doing more to keep those who suffer from family violence safe.”

“I look forward to seeing the results from this pilot program, which will help inform government of how technology can be used in response to this terrible harm.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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