Victoria’s $30M Commitment to Tackle Family Violence
3 June 2014 at 10:57 am
The Victorian Government has committed $30 million in funding in a bid to protect and support women and children at high risk of family violence.
As part of the plan, announced at the recent 2014 VCOSS Summit, the Government says it will expand its Strengthening Risk Management program statewide – which brings together the courts and family violence and family services, and holds perpetrators to account.
The Government says the funding is also planned to fast-track support for women and children who have experienced family violence through a streamlined response to police reports and referrals, expansion of case management and practical support for women and children fleeing violence, and evaluation of family violence initiatives, including perpetrator interventions.
"Violence against women and children is a society-wide problem that needs to be addressed in a coordinated and integrated way," VCOSS CEO Emma King said.
"[The] announcement is a good step towards improving improving the safety of women and children. But we will need to do more to improve lives, maintain safety and hold perpetrators to account.
"Ending violence against women and children will take dedicated and sustained resources, and VCOSS and the whole community sector will keep the spotlight on this critical issue in the lead up to the November State Election.
"We are calling on all parties to commit to the full package of services and reforms needed to create real change.
"This includes: establishing a Minister for Violence against Women and Children, a central coordination role for the Premier's Department, a comprehensive primary prevention strategy, multi-agency responses to protect women and children at risk, and a significant expansion of support services across health, housing, legal assistance and support programs.
"VCOSS has identified reducing violence against women and children as one of twelve immediate priorities to address in the next term of government to begin building a Victoria Without Poverty."
Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge said the investment built on a number of programs already initiated by the Coalition Government to prevent violence, intervene early, respond effectively when it occurred and hold perpetrators to account.
“We worked alongside experts to develop a whole of government action plan to address family violence, and we have been very focused on delivering practical initiatives which deliver a comprehensive and coordinated response to ensure the safety of women and children,” Wooldridge said.
For more information on the family violence initiatives or to view the action plan, click HERE.
To view the VCOSS State Election Platform – Victoria Without Poverty, click HERE.
