Young Victorians will continue to learn how split-second social violence can destroy lives after the Andrews Labor Government confirmed funding for the Step Back Think program.
Step Back Think, which raises awareness of the dangers of social violence such as one-punch assaults, will receive $200,000 in 2015-16.
Under the agreement, Step Back Think will develop a long-term strategic plan to set itself up as a financially independent not-for-profit group.
Step Back Think was formed by friends of one punch-victim James Macready-Bryan, who was left with severe brain damage after an assault in 2006.
The group works to educate thousands of Victorian students each year about the effects of social violence on victims and perpetrators.
The funding came after the Government delivered a fresh injection of $5.8 million to the Department of Justice’s community crime prevention program while a broader review of crime prevention was conducted.
The review, led by Parliamentary Secretary for Justice Ben Carroll, is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Wade Noonan
“This government is committed to reducing violence on our streets. Too many lives have been destroyed by just one punch.”
“Step Back Think gets young Victorians to think about their actions before it’s too late by highlighting the devastating impact violence can have.”
“This funding will help Step Back Think continue its valuable work.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020