The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring all Victorians can be supported by the family violence and sexual assault service system.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams today launched new grants that will increase supports for multicultural communities when seeking help in times of crisis.

Grants of up to $250,000 are available to improve access to help and support for those experiencing family violence from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

People from migrant and refugee backgrounds disproportionately experience inequality and discrimination. This impacts their ability to access care and support when and where they need it. Because of this, the risks of family and sexual violence increase, and barriers to accessing services and support are even higher.

This grants program is part of working towards the Government’s vision of creating an inclusive, safe, responsive and accountable family violence system that supports all Victorians.

The Working Together: Strengthening Family Violence Support with Multicultural Communities program will support partnerships and collaboration between Victoria’s multicultural community organisations and specialist family violence and sexual assault services.

The government is working to strengthen the capacity of Victorian multicultural community organisations and specialist family violence services to work together to provide culturally responsive and tailored projects to victim survivors and those who use violence.

Victoria is leading the nation with its work to end family violence, with the Andrews Labor Government investing more than $3.5 billion since the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Applications are open until 3 May 2022. For more information on the grants program, visit www.vic.gov.au/working-together-grants

Quotes attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams

“We’re ensuring the family violence and sexual assault system is easier to understand and access for our diverse Victorian communities, and that support is accessible when and where it is needed.”

“We are building an inclusive and responsive family violence system that works in partnership with community organisations to provide culturally sensitive and effective prevention and responses to family violence.”