The Andrews Labor Government is supporting multicultural communities in Wodonga to prevent violence against women and children through innovative prevention programs.
Gateway Health has received $360,000 from the Labor Government to help migrant and refugee women overcome the barriers often faced in accessing family violence services and broader supports due to the compounding effects of inequality and discrimination.
The funding includes $240,000 for the Multicultural Family Safety Project – a community-led and culturally sensitive primary prevention project which utilisescreative strategies such as storytelling, music and dance to encourage conversation about gender equality, family violence and intergenerational conflict.
The project engages community members from African, Bhutanese, Indian and Filipino backgrounds and focuses on working with women to improve life skills, such as financial literacy and working with men to challenge gender stereotypes.
The project also focuses on engaging young people in activities to address issues related to intergenerational conflict and raise awareness around family violence.
The Government has previously provided $120,000 for Gateway Health’s Culturally Responsive Conversations about Respectful Relationships Project,delivered in partnership with the Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council throughout 2019 and 2020.
The program built on community understanding around local support services through regular engagement in culturally appropriate ways.
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 combined, and more than the Commonwealth.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“We’re backing community organisations to deliver tailored family violence prevention initiatives because everyone should be free to live a life free from violence – regardless of their culture or faith.”
“Family violence can occur in any community, which is why all communities should be able to access the support they need to prevent it.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“These programs are exactly how we change attitudes towards family violence – supporting ideas borne and trusted by locals to bring North East communities together.”
Reviewed 24 November 2021