Innovative family violence prevention programs will be boosted by the Andrews Labor Government as it launches its second action plan to lead the nation in ensuring women and children live free from violence.
The Free from Violence Second Action Plan (2022-2025) launched today marks the halfway point in the Government’s nation leading effort to reimagine the family violence services system and embed primary prevention to change attitudes, behaviours, and structural inequality that perpetuates violence.
Gender inequality sets the underlying context for violence against women – where women and men do not have equal power, resources or opportunities their voices, ideas and work are not valued equally by society.
Recognising the diversity of experiences of those who are impacted by violence, the plan addresses the experiences of women with disability who experience violence, LGBTIQ+ people and elder abuse, and engagement with men and boys in prevention efforts.
The plan also highlights the need to work with Aboriginal communities to find solutions to end gendered violence that are governed by principles of self-determination, including programs led by community for community.
To support the plan, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams is announcing that Rainbow Health Victoria will receive $750,000 for the continuation of the LGBTIQ+ Family Violence Prevention Project.
The Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH) will also receive $100,000 to continue supporting primary prevention within multicultural communities. Nine regional and three state-wide Women’s Health Services will receive a boost of $4.8 million to deliver on-the-ground collective primary prevention work.
Domestic Violence Victoria and the Domestic Violence Resource Centre will also receive $3.25 million to upskill prevention workers, including through a joint project with MCWH.
Victoria is leading the nation with its work to end family violence, with more than $3.5 billion invested since the Royal Commission – more than every other state or territory combined, and more than the Commonwealth.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“The harmful attitudes, behaviours and beliefs that perpetuate violence have no place in Victoria. Victoria is leading the way in reforming the family violence system and improving women’s safety because lives depend on it.”
“Everyone has a role to play in preventing violence – this work needs a strong and coordinated response at all levels of society, from governments and businesses to schools, sporting clubs and communities.”
Quote attributable to Respect Victoria Chair Dr Kate Fitz-Gibbon
“Family and gendered violence is preventable. Everyone has a role to play in creating a safe, equal and respectful future. Sexism and other forms of discrimination do not belong in the places we live, learn, work or play.”
Reviewed 07 December 2021