The Victorian Parliament today hosted the first ever Listening Project, an opportunity for victims and survivors of family violence to voice their stories, and provide advice on how to improve current systems.
Uniting decision makers and those who have experienced family violence firsthand, the Listening Project was hosted by Sara James, Emmy award-winning foreign correspondent, author and commentator.
The day consisted of a series of workshops covering issues including the prevention of family violence, after trauma support and ensuring the justice and policing system did not re-traumatise victims and survivors.
Experts in improving systems’ responses to family violence, Professor Leigh Goodmark, Professor of Law at the University of Maryland and David Mandel of David Mandel and Associates also presented via video.
Further giving opportunity to hear from survivors, advocates and policy experts, speakers on the day included:
- Kristy McKellar - Victorian domestic violence survivor advocate ;
- Tarang Chawla - White Ribbon Ambassador, writer and victim advocate;
- Khadija Gbla - CEO at Khadija Gbla Cultural Consultancy, community leader and activist;
- Phil Cleary, White Ribbon Ambassador, social and political commentator; and
- Rosie Batty, 2015 Australian of the Year
Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson said the Listening Project was an opportunity for policy makers to receive feedback on the way the justice and family violence response systems were working, from those who had been through them.
The Listening Project forms part of the inaugural Victoria Against Violence campaign to end family and gender violence, running from 25 November to 10 December.
For more information on Victoria Against Violence, visit the website at
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson
“Today’s Listening Project is an opportunity to listen and learn more about the experiences of family violence victims and survivors using services, police and our courts”
“If we want a world class family violence system it is imperative that we shape our reforms around the experiences of those who have been impacted by this harm”
Reviewed 10 February 2021