RECORD FUNDING TO HELP REDUCE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Combating violence against women and children in remains one of the Morrison Government’s top priorities, as part of its plan to keep Australians safe, Member for Barker Tony Pasin has said.

“Our Government is proud to be making the largest ever Commonwealth investment of $328 million for prevention and frontline services through the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022,” Mr Pasin said.

“Our first priority is to keep Australians safe. That’s why we are contributing a record amount to fund prevention, response and recovery initiatives.”

“Our Government has zero tolerance for violence against women and children. This announcement brings Commonwealth investment in this space since 2013 to over $840 million.”

The Morrison Government will develop Australia’s first national prevention strategy to stop domestic and family violence and sexual assault, and continue its work to change the attitudes and beliefs that can lead to violence.

“To stop violence against women, we need to counter the culture of disrespect towards women. That’s why we are investing so heavily in prevention,” Mr Pasin said.

Sadly, one in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner since the age of 15.

This figure increases to nearly one in four women when violence by boyfriends, girlfriends and dates is included.

Mr Pasin said all women and children have the right to feel safe, and to feel supported to seek help when they need it.

Summary of measures:

• $82 million for frontline services

• $68 million for prevention strategies

• $35 million in support and prevention measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities funded under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

• $78 million to provide safe places for people impacted by domestic and family violence.

• $62 million to support 1800RESPECT

Our Government has taken strong action already to protect women and children, including:

• introducing a minimum standard for domestic violence leave for the very first time;

• banning the direct cross-examination of women by their alleged perpetrator during family law proceedings;

• extending early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds to victims of family and domestic violence;

• expanding Good Shepherd Microfinance’s No Interest Loan Scheme to 45,000 women experiencing family and domestic violence;

• providing over 7,046 visas for women and children needing safe refuge through the Women at Risk program;

• extending funding for Specialist Domestic Violence Units and Health Justice Partnerships including funding for additional financial support services;

• funding support for an additional 31,200 families to resolve family law disputes quickly through mediation;

• continuing advertising of the award winning Stop it at the Start campaign;

• further funding 1800 RESPECT, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service;

• investing an additional $6.7 million in DV alert;

• prioritising women and children who are escaping family violence in the $7.8 billion housing and homelessness agreement; and

• establishing the eSafety Commissioner in 2017, expanding the scope of the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner.

Contact: Charlotte Edmunds  8531 2466