No To Violence (NTV) – the peak body delivering safe and effective interventions for men who use violence and provider of the Men's Referral Service - has welcomed the Victorian Government's announcement of a $40.2 million funding boost to the family violence sector to support people experiencing violence during the COVID-19 outbreak.
No To Violence's Men's Referral Service Helpline (which receives some funding from the Victorian Government) – available seven days a week at 1300 766 491 or online at www.ntv.org.au – is working closely with victim support services to respond to men who choose to use violence.
"As Australia's leading experts on working with men who use family violence, No to Violence has seen first-hand the changing nature, severity and impacts of family violence across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic," says Chief Executive Jacqui Watt.
"We welcome today's announcement by Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Gabrielle Williams, of $40.2 million in extra funding for the sector, including $20 million for secure short-term accommodation and specialist services for people suffering or at risk of family violence.
"No to Violence remains eager to draw on our expertise, our members' skills, and our community to better support victims and hold users of violence accountable for their behaviours, abuse and violence. We will work with our colleagues across the sector to support women and children experiencing violence, including for them to stay in their homes when safe to do so.
"COVID 19 is throwing up many changes in men's use of family violence – a surge was experienced in China, Italy, France, Spain and Malaysia as part of lockdown experience and we fully expect to see the same in Australia. We know there is significant unmet demand.
"Family violence begins – and ends – with men. If we don't effectively engage and intervene with men, we will never be able to keep women and children safe."
