New Foundation Focuses on Violence

A new national Foundation has been created to engage and raise awareness in the community on the prevention of violence against women and their children.

The Foundation to Prevent Violence Against Women and their Children, to be based in Melbourne, will promote best practice prevention strategies and undertake prevention and early intervention projects through communities, schools and media.

The Federal and Victorian Governments are investing a total of $6.5 million over two years to kick start the Foundation and drive the initial projects. The former leader of the Australian Democrats, Natasha Stott Despoja AM, will be the inaugural chair of the Foundation.

Federal Minister for the Status of Women, Julie Collins said violence against women was one of the most significant issues facing the community.

“Any form of violence is unacceptable and this is why we are taking action,” she said.
“In addition to the personal cost, domestic and family violence costs the Australian community more than $13 billion a year.

“Under her leadership, the foundation will be a single, national body that informs, educates and empowers the community to end the scourge of family violence.

“The Federal Government, together with other state and territory governments, share a policy of zero tolerance for violence against women.”

Victorian Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge said Victoria had a ‘strong an innovative’ approach to family violence issues.

“To tackle this issue we need a coordinated national voice, an obvious rallying point, the collaboration of the sector, the explicit support of the community and endorsement of government. We believe this new Foundation can achieve that,” she said.

“Victoria has a very strong and innovative family violence sector and I’m pleased we will be able to continue our policy leadership with the Foundation based in Melbourne,” she said.

“The Foundation plans to build partnerships with business, philanthropic organisations and governments across Australia and will look to the community to get behind and support the initiative.”

The Foundation is expected to undertake a national consultation process, with workshops to be held around Australia, along with online submissions and webinars.

The board members include:

• Natasha Stott Despoja AM, Deputy Chair, beyondblue
• Professor Muriel Bamblett, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency;
• Professor Rosemary Calder, long-time campaigner on women’s issues;
• Alan Cransberg, Alcoa Managing Director and West Coast Eagles chairman;
• Professor Anne Edwards, Chair of the National Centre of Excellence; and
• Dr Phil Lambert, White Ribbon ambassador

For more information about the foundation and to register your interest visit: www.preventviolence.org.au.