The Victorian Coalition Government has announced an additional $30 million over four years to protect and support women and children at high risk of family violence.   Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said this is a great initiative to support members of our community affected by family violence.

East Gippsland and Wellington areas will benefit from a full-time worker to coordinate information sharing as well as providing practical support for women and children by linking them to the range of services they need.

“Family violence has been recognised as an ongoing issue in Eastern Victoria with the area having an unacceptably high level of family violence, so it is imperative we find ways to address, prevent and support those impacted by family violence.”   Mr Bull said the $30 million package includes the state-wide expansion of the successful Strengthening Risk Management program that brings together police, the courts, family violence and family services to keep women and children at high risk of violence safe and hold dangerous perpetrators to account.

The Strengthening Risk Management project will roll-out across Victoria in all 17 Department of Human Services areas, after successful pilots in the Geelong and Hume regions.

A recent evaluation found that a key strength of the demonstration projects was the Risk Assessment and Management Panels (RAMPs), established to support planning around the safety of women and children.

Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge said the investment built on a number of initiatives implemented by the Coalition Government to prevent violence, intervene early, respond effectively when it occurs and hold perpetrators to account.   “We have worked alongside experts to develop a whole of government action plan to address family violence, and we have been very focused on delivering practical initiatives which deliver a comprehensive and coordinated response to ensure the safety of women and children,” Ms Wooldridge said.

“Since coming to Government the Coalition has increased total spending to prevent violence and support the women and children who are victims of family violence to more than $100 million each year. This represents an increase of more than 40 per cent since 2010,” Ms Wooldridge said.   For further information about the Victorian Coalition Government’s family violence initiatives or to download the action plan go to: www.dhs.vic.gov.au/actionplantoaddressviolence