The Andrews Labor Government will provide $470,000 in funding for 15 community organisations working to prevent family violence within Victoria’s African communities.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne today announced funding from the Capacity Building and Participation Program to help communities recognise family violence when it occurs and provide the tools to safely respond.
The funding will support a new partnership between 15 community organisations and Whittlesea Community Connections, which has a proven track record in preventing family violence.
The funded organisations will deliver activities such as training, education workshops and youth forums.
The Labor Government is funding community-led family violence early intervention and prevention programs across Victoria and is investing more than $14 million over four years to support the implementation of a multicultural family violence package.
The package will build the capacity of culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities to address family violence through innovative and tailored family violence prevention initiatives.
An integral part of this is the development of links between mainstream family violence services and diverse communities through stronger partnerships and sharing knowledge of best practice.
The Labor Government established an Australian-first Royal Commission into Family Violence in 2014 and has since invested more than $2.7 billion to implement all 227 recommendations made.
As noted by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne
“By supporting the leadership of African community organisations to prevent family violence, we’re building a Victoria where families can thrive and be safe.”
“This is about helping Victoria’s diverse communities keep women and children safe from the scourge of family violence.”
As noted by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“We’re delivering landmark reforms to stamp out family violence and this community funding will help bolster those efforts.”
“Family violence effects all communities and it’s critical to not only have government programs but to support community led prevention work to achieve change.”