Victoria’s nation‑leading efforts to end family violence and build a more equal future for women will continue, with new investments from the Andrews Labor Government to help Victorians from diverse backgrounds and more practical support for victim survivors.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 delivers $521.6 million to end family violence and progress gender equality. This includes a $354 million investment to implement all 227 recommendations of the world‑first Royal Commission into Family Violence, and builds on unparalleled investments of more than $3.1 billion.
This funding will also support about 370 new Victorian jobs – helping more Victorians find meaningful and rewarding work supporting women and their children.
That includes support for the Family Violence Graduate Program, which will help up to 80 new graduates with training and on‑the‑job support as they work towards becoming specialists in family violence services.
We will also establish a Gender Responsive Budgeting Unit within the Department of Treasury and Finance to ensure outcomes for women are measured and an embedded consideration as part of future budget decision making processes.
A further $3.2 million will support gender equality programs that support women’s financial security, particularly women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
A boost of $2.4 million will continue the vital work of Victoria’s women’s health services in preventing family violence, and providing services in sexual, reproductive and mental health, and $4.1 million will support sexual and reproductive health hubs.
Funding of $49 million will go towards supporting all survivors of family violence and sexual assault, including women on temporary visas, providing culturally safe responses for Aboriginal victim survivors, and building the capacity of the state’s services to respond to diverse and faith communities.
This includes funding to ensure sexual assault survivors can access the support they need – when they need it.
Nearly $100 million will support the ongoing implementation of information sharing and the Family Violence Multi‑Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework.
This ensures a common understanding of family violence across our social services, education and health sectors so no matter where Victorians seek help, an appropriate, consistent and informed response is available.
A further $44.1 million will deliver support for children impacted by family violence and sexual assault, including adolescents who use violence at home – with the statewide expansion of adolescent family violence programs,
ensuring kids can access the counselling and care they need.
This Budget delivers $9.1 million to build and operate a new Aboriginal family violence refuge in the Horsham region, providing culturally appropriate support services, while also creating 8 new roles.
An extra $78 million will establish Specialist Family Violence Courts at Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Geelong, Latrobe Valley, Melbourne, Ringwood and Sunshine – meaning more Victorians who are experiencing family violence can access tailored services, from specially trained court staff, in safer environments.
And to ensure those experiencing violence know their pets will be safe from harm, $1.3 million will deliver a pets in refuges program to support victim survivors who need to place their pets in foster care or boarding, and to help cover the cost of pet supplies and veterinary care.
The Budget includes $18 million for perpetrator interventions, including men’s behaviour change programs, case management, brokerage and culturally safe responses for Aboriginal Victorians, and $2.3 million for initiatives that promote gender equality and respectful relationships among young people.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women and Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“Inequality for women feeds violence against women, which is why our investments target both.”
“Whether it’s teaching our kids consent, investing in support for Victorians of all backgrounds, or ensuring every budget we deliver leads towards gender equality – we’re investing in an equal future for women and girls.”
“At the same time, these investments are also building and supporting our dedicated family violence workforce – creating new opportunities for thousands of Victorians at the heart of our response.”
Reviewed 20 May 2021