The Andrews Labor Government is acting to help prevent family violence in Victoria’s south west.

Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins today announced a $100,000 grant for the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative to develop a family violence education program and resource kit.

The program and kit will be tailored to ensure Aboriginal community engagement with culturally safe responses to family violence.

Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West is also receiving funding to highlight the importance of bystanders calling out harmful and disrespectful attitudes which can lead to family violence.

A $40,000 grant will support a community-developed play complementing the Labor Government’s second family violence behaviour change campaign, Respect Women: Call It Out.

The campaign encourages Victorian men to intervene, and call out sexism and inequality. It aims to increase awareness, with one in four Victorians having seen the Government’s previous family violence behaviour change campaign.

These grants are provided from initiatives in the Free From Violence Action Plan, which supports community groups to trial and evaluate new approaches to violence prevention.

This will generate a better understanding of what works to prevent violence across different settings and contexts.

More money will go towards preventing family violence and keeping victim survivors safe, as part of the Victorian Budget 2018/19.

This includes $24 million to help change the attitudes that contribute to family violence and all forms of violence against women.

For more information on Free from violence, Victoria’s strategy to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women, visit www.vic.gov.aufamilyviolence/prevention-strategy.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Women Natalie Hutchins

“Sexist attitudes and harmful gender stereotypes are part of the culture of disrespect that drives violence against women. Only by changing these behaviours will we see a Victoria free from violence.”

“These unique programs are proof we are leaving no stone unturned in the fight to eliminate the scourge of family violence.”