The 2021-22 Victorian Budget includes $18 million to enable family violence specialists to deliver perpetrator interventions and contribute to an increasing evidence base about what works to change behaviour and prevent violence.
The majority of this funding ($12.8 million) is allocated to the first year. This includes funding for Men's Behaviour Change programs, working with men from diverse cohorts, and funding of accommodation options to shift the burden from victim survivors to the perpetrator.
"This is a welcome increase in investment, and we look forward to working with the Victorian Government in re-designing the system to better respond to perpetrators who use family violence and keep victim survivors safe", says Jacqui Watt, Chief Executive Officer of No to Violence.
"Without working with the men who are using family violence, we are never going to break the cycle and reduce family violence across our community. We need to be working with the cause."
No to Violence notes that questions remain about the longer term funding for the sector that works with men who use violence every day.
Ms Watt says, "Our member organisations work with men who are violent and abusive every day. During last year's lock downs, this was often at their dining room table. Our sector is tired.
"If we are to invest in the support that Victoria needs by investing in the people who deliver them, we also need to be creating employment conditions to attract and retain people as well. One year contracts do not do this."
If you are concerned about how your behaviour is affecting your family, please call the Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491 or mrs.org.au).
