Minister Williams:
Every Victorian deserves the right to feel safe in their own home.
When we came to government in 2014, we acknowledged the challenge we faced in delivering a family violence service system that protects women and children.
That’s why the Andrews Labor Government established the Royal Commission into Family Violence – a world first.
That’s why we accepted all 227 recommendations and have already acquitted 143.
We know that ending family violence means addressing the behaviours that lead to it.
That’s why we have invested in The Free from Violence First Action Plan 2018 - 2021, the Government’s primary prevention strategy, to stop family violence and violence against women before it starts.
I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in this first year.
Supported by an unprecedented $81.3 million dollar investment, we’ve created a strong foundation for primary prevention efforts.
Highlights include:
Establishing Respect Victoria, the first of its kind dedicated solely to the prevention of family violence and all forms of violence against women
Working with councils to explore primary prevention in their workplaces and communities
Supporting the specialist prevention sector, including women’s health services, to build capacity
Empowering local community organisations to take the lead in delivering innovative approaches to preventing family violence in their communities
Supporting primary prevention activities in diverse communities, designed and delivered by people who know those communities best
And perhaps one of the most visible highlights has been seeing the impact of the Respect Women: Call it Out campaigns.
These campaigns are increasing awareness and understanding throughout the community, with 1 out of 2 Victorians able to recall the campaign and its key messages, and 3 in 5 reporting that they’d speak up if they witnessed family violence.
I also want to recognise the leadership of Aboriginal organisations in preventing family violence in their communities. As part of its commitment to self-determination, the Government aims to empower Aboriginal communities to continue to lead prevention work to prevent family violence in their communities.
Leanne Brooke:
Speak Up, Speak Out or SUSO as we call it is a program that brings together Aboriginal young people.
We have a different theme each week so it might be respectful relationships, gender equality. It’s about giving them the tools to identify what a healthy relationship looks like.
I spoke to one of the parents. This particular father said he was having a discussion with his partner and had raised his voice and his daughter said, “dad, stop. The way you’re talking to mum is not appropriate.”
So we were really please to hear that, that they were going back and reinforcing their learnings and actually intervening when they felt that they needed to and that they could.
Minister Williams:
This is the beginning of a long journey to prevent family violence and it is no easy feat.
To do this, we need to address gender inequality and other forms of discrimination that drive this violence. That means changing attitudes, behaviours, and even policies, and it is a long-term endeavour.
But we are determined and committed to achieving this vision.
Anita Thomas:
The Baby Makes 3 program focuses on supporting couples in the transition to becoming parents for the very first time, and those changes are very real so it might be the first time that these men have been able to talk to other men who are going through those same lifestyle changes.
We look at focusing on building equal and respectful relationship between parents.
We know that it’s a really stressful time, things aren’t all perfect and it is a time that can lead to high levels of conflict and they love hearing that the best thing that they can give their baby is a healthy relationship.
Over the last 12 months we’ve also been working with public maternity hospital staff at local government asking those services to reflect on their systems and approaches to be more inclusive.
Minister Williams:
I want to thank all Victorians for playing your part in preventing violence against women and family violence across our state.
I am honoured to be on this journey alongside you and immensely proud of our achievements to-date.
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