Investing In Prevention To Eliminate Violence Against Women And Children.
It is not enough to recognise and acknowledge the crisis of family violence against women and children; it is taking commitments by both federal and state governments to end it. With a $3.4 billion investment, the Albanese Government is delivering on our pledge to eradicate this violence within a generation.
Some of this federal funding goes directly towards investing in front-line services, such as more domestic abuse workers in Hawkesbury and the region, and more than $250,000 to support Penrith Women’s Health Centre’s ongoing efforts to assist women in the area in leaving abusive relationships.
We know that investing in frontline services is essential but we’re also focused on programs to address the root causes of gender-based violence. These programs are focused on education and prevention in the community to help the next generation have healthier, more respectful relationships.
As part of this work the Albanese Labor Government is investing $8.3 million in a project with La Trobe University to learn more about effective interventions that prevent sexual violence through the design and assessment of a variety of strategies.
This is one of many awareness and prevention programs the government is investing in that are essential to stop patterns of violence across our community. I encourage parents of young people to explore the ‘Stop it at the Start’ resources on respectful relationships, and start the conversation in your household.
The National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children provides a clear guide on the work that needs to be done to eliminate domestic, family and sexual violence in one generation. I welcome the recent announcements by the Minns Government that it will strengthen penalties for repeated and serious breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders and bring in a new order for the most serious offenders.
While we know that the best way to keep women and children safe is prevention, by making the most of the tools and resources available, we can all play our part in ending this violence for the next generation.
You can find resources at respect.gov.au, consent.gov.au or www.ourwatch.org.au If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family, domestic, or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au
