The Andrews Labor Government is funding a new drink-spiking awareness initiative and improved resources and support for survivors – because everyone deserves to make it home safely after a night out.
Led by La Trobe University’s School of Rural Health, the project will conduct much-needed research into the issue of drink-spiking and create a digital platform to share survivors’ stories, with information and resources to help keep the wider Victorian community safe.
Tackling drink-spiking locally will provide insights that can be applied across the state by sharing the findings and resources produced.
While research into drink-spiking in Australia is currently limited, we know that many survivors do not report their experiences. This funding will support La Trobe to raise awareness of the issue so that more people feel comfortable coming forward.
The project will also investigate the link between drink-spiking and sexual assault, as well as related issues such as needle-spiking.
La Trobe University will deliver this vital project in partnership with the Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria, Bendigo Community Health Services and the Greater Bendigo Coalition for Gender Equity.
The Preventing Drink Spiking Project is one of eighteen initiatives that will share in over $4.9 million of funding through round two of the Creating Safer Places and Crime Prevention Innovation Fund grants.
In 2021, 16 projects were funded through the first round of the Creating Safer Places and Crime Prevention Innovation Fund grants at a total of $4.4 million, and these initiatives are well underway.
The Crime Prevention Innovation Fund and Creating Safer Places grants are part of the Building Safer Communities program and offer councils, not-for-profit organisations and research bodies grants of up to $300,000 for projects that deliver and evaluate innovative community safety and crime prevention initiatives.
Since the 2015-16 financial year, the Labor Government has provided more than $1.1 million to 17 community safety projects in the Greater Bendigo City Council area.
As stated by Minister for Crime Prevention Anthony Carbines
“This important project will use the experiences of brave survivors and the knowledge of drink-spiking experts to provide much needed research and support on this issue.”
“The Building Safer Communities Program supports communities to create and deliver solutions to local problems – we’re providing funding where it’s needed most and building a safer Victoria for everyone.”
“We’re already seeing communities make so much positive change through the first round of Building Safer Communities grants, and it’s great to see more projects come to life through this second round of funding.”
