The Free from violence strategy is Victoria’s plan to break the cycle of family violence and violence against women.
Primary prevention requires social and cultural change. Everyone has a role to in play in challenging the drivers of violence where they live, work, learn and play. Preventing violence before it starts reduces pressure on early intervention and crisis response.
For women over the age of 15
- 1 in 3 has experienced physical violence
- 1 in 4 has experienced physical or sexual violence
- 1 in 5 has experienced sexual violence
- women with disabilities are 40% more likely to be the victims of family violence than women without disabilities
- 90% of Australian women with an intellectual disability have been subjected to sexual abuse, with 68% having been sexually abused before they turn 18 years of age
- Aboriginal women are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised for family violence
Costs to Victoria’s community and economy
- $3.4 billion per year to the Australian economy
- $7.8 billion per year to the taxpayer
- $10.4 billion per year for pain, suffering and premature mortality
Priorities of the plan
- Build prevention structures and systems
- Scale up and build on what we know works
- Trial new and innovative approaches to prevention
- Research and evaluate to build our knowledge of what works
- Engage and communicate with Victorians
Downloads
Prevention strategy:
First action plan:
Second action plan:
References and resources:
Free from Violence – Second Action Plan 2022–2025
Victoria's strategy to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women.
Free from violence – First Action Plan 2018–2021
Victoria's strategy to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women.
Updated