Funds for preventing violence against women

CITY of Ballarat officers have been successful in their application for a grant to fund programs and campaigns that aim to prevent violence against women.

Worth $250,000, the funding comes from the Free from Violence Local Government Program 2024 to 2027.

The State Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Vicki Ward was at Town Hall last week to announce the City had been awarded the money, which will go towards an awareness campaign and the development of a gendered violence prevention strategy.

Engagement with businesses, community groups and male leaders will also be funded, alongside staff and councillor training.

“This recent violent loss of the lives of Rebecca, Samantha and Hannah in Ballarat highlight a brutal truth that too many Victorian women aren’t safe in their own community,” Ms Ward said. “This is not ok.

“This grant will deliver local initiatives addressing family violence, violence against women and importantly, engage men in this conversation, helping to ensure the women of Ballarat are safe in their own community and homes.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said everyone deserves to feel and be safe in their own community.

“I am proud that we can help deliver these vital initiatives that will help to prevent violence against women and make the women of Ballarat feel safer,” she said.