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The Andrews Labor Government is helping victim survivors of family violence access key justice services all in one place with upgrades at the Neighbourhood Justice Centre in Collingwood.

Attorney General Jill Hennessy visited the Neighbourhood Justice Centre and announced that the Centre will receive more than $1.5 million to support the expansion of a second entrance and safe waiting area for victims.

Work on this stage of the expansion is expected to be completed next year.

The centre delivers a range of services including access to victim support, mediation, specialised mental health assistance, drug and alcohol treatment, counselling, housing support, Koori support services and legal advice.

The centre operates the Neighbourhood Justice Centre Court, which is part of the Magistrates’ Court and hears matters from a range of jurisdictions including the Children’s Court, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Victims of Crime Tribunal.

Family violence is a national emergency, with one woman killed at the hands of a current or former partner every week.

The Labor Government established an Australian-first Royal Commission into Family Violence in 2014.

The government has invested more than $2.9 billion towards implementing recommendations from the Royal Commission, aimed at ending family violence, supporting victims and extending legal services across the state.

More than half of the Royal Commission’s 227 recommendations have now been implemented.

As stated by Attorney-General Jill Hennessy

“With this boost the Neighbourhood Justice Centre will continue to be a leader in community justice and support services for the most vulnerable Victorians.”

“Our specialist family violence courts are transforming the justice system to ensure victims are kept safe and perpetrators are held to account.”

“We’re ensuring that all Victorians have access to a fair and modern justice system.”