Resources to stop family violence were strengthened today with the official establishment of Respect Victoria as an independent statutory authority.

The new agency, which opened on 1 August, will lead the state’s prevention efforts in changing the attitudes, social norms and culture that result in family violence and violence against women.

The establishment of Respect Victoria fulfils Recommendation 188 of the Royal Commission into Family Violence and will work with partners in rural and regional Victoria, education and care settings, workplaces, community organisations, faith-based and cultural organisations, sport, the arts and media.

Respect Victoria’s Board, led by Chairperson Melanie Eagle, is now officially appointed along with Chief Executive Tracey Gaudry.

The directors collectively bring strong leadership experience, diversity and a wealth of knowledge about behaviour and cultural change.

The Board includes a member of Victoria’s Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council, to ensure that victims’ voices remain front and centre in the organisation’s prevention efforts.

As a result of the Andrews Labor Government’s behaviour change campaigns more than 4 out of 5 Victorians can identify what family violence is and its causes. Respect Victoria will build on this campaign.

The Labor Government has now invested $24 million for research, communications and engagement initiatives for the next four years for Respect Victoria as part of an unprecedented $2.6 billion investment to prevent family violence in Victoria.

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

“Respect Victoria’s establishment as a statutory authority is a significant milestone in working towards creating a Victoria free from violence.”

“We know prevention is key to ending the scourge of family violence. As the state’s first ever family violence prevention agency, Respect Victoria will take us one step closer to a community free from violence.”

Quote attributable to Respect Victoria Chairperson Melanie Eagle

“Respect Victoria has an ambitious agenda and a responsibility to support a future free from violence for all Victorians.”