Next step for violence saturation model

THE State Government is inviting Ballarat residents to co-design the saturation model which will aim to help reduce the rates of family violence and men’s violence against women in the city.

People who live and work in Ballarat can register their interest in the project which will bring together sporting clubs, workplaces, community organisations, health services, council, schools, emergency services and more.

Respect Victoria has been consulting with the community and specialist family violence services in the region but is now looking for individuals and organisations to apply for the co-design group.

“Women’s Health Grampians and the Communities of Respect & Equality (CoRE) Alliance welcome this exciting next phase of the saturation model roll out and look forward to engaging, along with our partners, in the co-design process,” said Women’s Health Grampians CEO Marianne Hendron.

“This is a tangible opportunity for all of the Ballarat community to come on board and contribute our ideas for action on how to make gender-based violence a thing of the past.”

The four-year saturation model will create stronger referral pathways between prevention programs and response services so people experiencing violence or noticing early warning signs can get help.

“Respect Victoria has been working closely with Ballarat leaders, individuals and organisations since the model was announced,” Respect Victoria CEO Helen Bolton said.

“We are proud to walk alongside these communities to support the co-creation of this model to prevent gender-based violence.

“The expertise and energy in Ballarat is already laying the foundations for change.”

The working group will meet for face-to-face and online sessions between February and May.

Expressions of interest are open until Friday 7 February and can be made on the Respect Victoria website.