The Andrews Labor Government is helping Aboriginal people respond to family violence in their communities.

Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today opened applications for the $650,000 Indigenous Family Violence Strategy Community Initiatives Fund.

Successful applicants will use the funding to launch culturally appropriate projects in Aboriginal communities that reduce family violence through prevention and education. Grants will be available to non-government organisations across the state.

Through the Fund, the Labor Government is creating partnerships with local Aboriginal communities and raising awareness about the impacts of violence on Aboriginal families.

Projects will support objectives that the Aboriginal community and the Government have agreed to in the Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families 10-year plan.

A Victorian Budget 2017/18 investment of $32.1 million will help meet the needs of Aboriginal victim survivors and prevent family violence from happening in the first place.

This includes $11 million to extend legal services for Aboriginal Victorians, with extra lawyers and case support workers to assist with family violence intervention orders and child protection matters, while $11.4 million will expand prevention and intervention programs, including Sisters Day Out, Dilly Bag and Young Luv.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“While family violence can start in the home, it can be felt throughout a community. These grants will empower Aboriginal people to put an end to family violence.”

“Through this initiative, we’re supporting effective and culturally appropriate ways of dealing with family violence.”

Quote attributable to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“We need to work in partnership with the Aboriginal community to develop better ways to address family violence and these projects will do just that.”