Victorian women and children will be better protected thanks to new measures to stop perpetrators using violence, more support for victims of sexual assault and better tailored support for Aboriginal Victorians.
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 invests $185.5 million in the prevention of family violence, with $85 million in programs to hold perpetrators to account and change their behaviour, including intensive case management of perpetrators. It is vital our family violence approach not only supports victims but alters perpetrator behaviour.
The Budget provides $28.7 million for the Dhelk Dja 10-year Aboriginal Family Violence agreement, with an extra $18.8 million for frontline services and $9.9 million for the rollout of Aboriginal Access Points.
These Points – culturally safe places to help Aboriginal Victorians access family violence support – will be part of the Orange Door network, which has already helped more than 42,000 women and children.
In addition, $20.9 million will go towards therapeutic responses including a further $9.4 million to fund services that support young people at risk of offending.
The Budget also delivers:
- $3.1 million to deliver on the Labor Government’s Building from Strength: 10-year Industry Plan for Family Violence Prevention and Response to provide ongoing support for people working on the frontline
- $2.9 million to support LGBTIQ people experiencing family violence
- $2.8 million to support people living with a disability, who are experiencing family violence.
The Labor Government has invested a record $2.7 billion to keep women and children safe, and deliver all the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence – more than half of which are already complete.
Victorian youth will be supported to reach their full potential with:
- $6.3 million for initiatives to engage young people in Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities
- $1.2 million for youth activities and services in regional and rural Victoria
- $5.5 million to build new Scout halls and upgrade Scout facilities across Victoria.
The Government is rebuilding Victoria’s family violence prevention system, creating a safer environment for women and children, and delivering every single one of the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Women and Youth Gabrielle Williams
“Victoria is leading the nation when it comes to protecting women and children from family violence – this Budget continues that leadership.”
“Addressing family violence takes long-term investment and action, and that’s what we’re delivering – building on our landmark Royal Commission with new measures to create a safer and more respectful state.”
