State funds target family violence

BENDIGO and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC) has received $100,000 in funding to help deliver several grassroots initiatives hoped to stamp out family violence.

Measures include ongoing Therapeutic Team group work and Yarning groups (Family Safety and Healing Program) and an adolescent violence in the home program (AVITH).

BDAC’s Family Safety and Healing Program provides services and programs for community members who’ve been, or are currently affected by family violence and works with men, women, children and families.

AVITH, on the other hand, provides specialised, culturally safe, trauma informed and therapeutic support to young people and their families who are currently at risk of or have been impacted by adolescent family violence.

The local initiatives helped make up a total of 27 community-driven projects to share in the $1.1 million-plus handed out via the Victorian Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund 2024-25.

The Inner Gippsland Dhelk Dja Action Group, for example, will use its grant to deliver cultural camps, Elders groups, school holiday programs and family violence training initiatives in Gippsland.

In the Barwon Southwest community, funding will deliver a Neernan (gathering) for Elders to raise awareness of elder abuse and yarn about solutions to prevent family violence.

Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins said by investing in culture, connection and community leadership, her government is building stronger, safer futures for Aboriginal people right across Victoria.

“These projects are designed by Aboriginal communities, for Aboriginal communities – because they know what works best to keep their families safe,” she said.