Some of Victoria’s leading service providers in alcohol and drug treatment and mental health are now home to dedicated Family Violence Advisors, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today announced the second round of the Labor Government’s $17.4 million Family Violence Advisor program will host 17 new advisors across 13 service providers around Victoria, following the success of stage one.
The selected agencies are Bendigo Community Health, Sunraysia Community Health, Gateway Health, Primary Care Connect, Ballarat Community Health, Gippsland Lakes Community Health, Latrobe Community Health, The Salvation Army, Odyssey House Victoria, Eastern Health (Turning Point), EACH, Taskforce, and Uniting ReGen.
The advisors will provide family violence expertise to the organisation, workers and other service providers in their area to improve recognition and treatment of both victims and perpetrators of family violence.
In response to recommendations from the 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence, the Labor Government is improving collaboration between the alcohol and other drug (AOD), family violence and mental health sectors to better respond to those affected by family violence.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 invested a record $259.9 million in AOD services. In addition, the $87 million Drug Rehabilitation Plan was released in late 2017, building on the Ice Action Plan to help save Victorian lives and help people to get access to treatment when they need it, where they need it.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
“These new advisors will help in the early intervention of family violence situations with community members using alcohol and other drugs services across the state.”
“This investment is about providing better specialised treatment for victims - preventing them from experiencing mental health and addiction issues, and helping them rebuild their lives.”
Quote attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins
“We’re working to implement every recommendation from the Royal Commission into Family Violence, to help end family violence across Victoria as soon as we can.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020