Input sought on violence policies

CENTRAL Victorians can influence the Federal Government’s national plan to reduce violence against women and children.

Loddon Gender Equality and Violence Prevention Consortium is holding a community consultation at Bendigo Lakeside Hotel on Wednesday, 19 May from 4pm to 6pm.

The Consortium will then make a submission to the Federal Government with its recommendations, based on the session.

The group said they were encouraged by the numbers at the March4Justice rally and wants to turn its focus to inform policies.

“We want people across the Loddon region to be part of the process,” a statement from the group said.

“We know women have had enough of their experiences being ignored, their voices silenced. They are demanding change and joined by an increasing number of allies.

“The Consortium will host two community consultation sessions, to ensure we are capturing the voices of our region in our submission to Government.”

The first session was in Kyneton on Tuesday with a roundtable discussion on the questions presented in the Federal Government’s have your say survey.

People who cannot attend the 19 May session are invited to complete the survey online at bit.ly/3tD5hzb.

The Loddon Gender Equality and Violence Prevention consists of lead agency Centre for Non-Violence, Annie North Women’s Refuge and Domestic Violence Service, Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee and Sunbury Cobaw Community Health.

If you or someone you know needs support for sexual or family violence, contact Centre for Non-Violence – 1800 884 292, Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria – 03 5441 0430, Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 1800 806 292, 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732, or the 24-hour statewide safe steps Family Violence Response Centre crisis response line – 1800 015 188. In an emergency, phone 000