State invests in family violence prevention

THE Buninyong electorate will benefit from a nine-million-dollar state government injection, to increase gender equality, workplace respect and women’s participation in male dominated areas.

The money will be directed towards 60 projects and initiatives across the state that strive to better protect women and children, and stop family violence before it starts.

Within this funding, Ballarat Community Health is receiving $30,000 to assist prevention of local elder abuse, and Women’s Health Grampians has been allocated $44,000 to recruit and train extra advocates against violence towards women.

BCH CEO Sean Duffy said the organisation is thrilled to have this money which will pay for activities that capture people’s attention at a grass roots level.

“The aim is to engage the community, and particularly older people, in awareness raising and education. These activities play a huge role in mobilising people to address age discrimination and assist organisations to play a role in primary prevention,” he said.

“When it comes to addressing family violence, Victoria is committed to addressing this issue and elder abuse is part of this growing problem.”

Every week nationally, one woman is killed at the hands of a current or former partner. For Victorian women between 15 and 44, it’s the leading cause of illness, disability and death.

Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle said bad attitudes towards women lead to bad outcomes for them.

“I’m proud we’re investing in our region to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women.

“Family violence also affects regional areas. It’s critical to support community groups who are working to change attitudes and I’m proud that we are not only talking about it, but we are acting on it,” she said.