BAIFVC launch plan to reduce family violence

BARWON Area Integrated Family Violence Committee (BAIFVC) has launched its 2020-2023 Strategic Plan to try to reverse the climbing family violence rates across the region.

Data from the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria show a 10.6 per cent increase in family violence reports to police for the year ending July 2020 compared to the 12 previous months.

The committee seeks to provide leadership, and specialist expertise to improve the Barwon area’s family violence response system.

The BAIFVC includes Bethany Community Support and The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, as well as other organisations whose work cross-sector organisations and alliances whose work is connected to family violence response.

The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre chief executive officer Helen Bolton said the plan would direct the BAIFVC’s decision making.

“It is vital that our community is able to live free from violence and the BAIFVC 2020-2023 Strategic Plan helps guide the actions we all need to take in the Barwon area.”

The key priorities the Strategic Plan outlines are improving data and evidence capacity, effective governance, building workforce capability and capacity, and system integration and improvement.

Barwon Child, Youth & Family chief executive officer Sandy Morrison said co-operation was central to ending family violence in the region.

“Being a part of this integrated approach, where a number of organisations and the wider community are working together to address family violence, further strengthens BCYF’s vision to create a community where people are safe, connected and empowered to live well.”