Million dollar funding for Lismore DV services

THE New South Wales Government’s Primary Prevention Multi-Year Partnerships Grant Program has awarded over $1 million to local domestic violence services in Lismore.

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner, Dr Hannah Tonkin, said local community organisations played a crucial role in preventing domestic, family and sexual violence.

“They’re in a unique position to increase understanding and awareness at the local level, build trust with community members, respond to local needs and drive lasting change,” Tonkin said.

“Meaningful change can only occur when all levels of the Government and community work together to eliminate violence, so these grants represent a positive step.”

The Men & Family Centre Lismore received $750,000 for the Accountable, Respectful, Connected Gender Relations Program.

The project addresses the underlying causes of domestic, family and sexual violence and promotes more accountable, respectful and connected gender relations.

The Strong Safe Fabulous Program delivers in-person and online training, resources, behaviour change campaigns, and individual, family, and sector capacity building.

In partnership with Rainbow Families, Prosper (Project Australia) Incorporated received $300,000, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said domestic violence was preventable.

“The Primary Prevention Multi-Year Partnerships Grant Program is a long-term initiative to help local communities challenge the underlying attitudes which can lead to abusive behaviour,” Harrison said.

“We’re taking a whole-of-community approach to address domestic, family and sexual violence and our local communities are a critical part of that.

“Local organisations know what works in their communities and can help shift the dial on attitudes and behaviours underlying this type of violence.”

Primary prevention is part of a broader NSW Government effort to address domestic violence, together with supporting victim-survivors and holding perpetrators to account.

Programs will focus on men and boys, children and young people, multicultural and refugee communities, LGBTIQ+ communities, and those working with First Nations communities.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the NSW Government was investing nearly $5.2 million in 11 new programs statewide as part of a whole-of-government, whole-of-community effort to change attitudes and behaviours.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63, 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.