The Andrews Labor Government is working with local councils across Victoria to change attitudes and behaviours to stop family violence before it starts.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams today announced the Victorian councils that will share more than $3.5 million to implement and deliver primary prevention initiatives under the Free from Violence Local Government Program.
Fifteen Victorian councils will be supported to embed prevention initiatives in their workforces and their services, promoting respectful relationships in settings such as community sport, early childhood services and parenting groups to increase community understanding of the causes of family violence and violence against women.
This investment will support selected councils to work with specialist providers to better connect with diverse communities across Victoria.
The successful councils are Brimbank, Bass Coast, City of Casey, Greater Bendigo, Hume, Mildura, Melbourne, Monash, Melton, Maroondah, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Northern Grampians, Wangaratta and Yarra Ranges.
The Free from Violence Local Government Program is part of the Labor Government's nation leading work to prevent violence against women by reaching people where they live, work, learn and play.
The program supports the Free from Violence Second Action Plan, which guides Victoria's women and family violence prevention work, to boost opportunities in local government and fulfil commitments under the Family Violence Reform Rolling Action Plan 2020-2023.
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
"As the level of government closest to the community, local councils are ideally placed to drive change and reduce violence against women."
"Family violence is entirely preventable - that's why we are investing in programs to build respect and equality in our homes, workplaces, sporting clubs and right across the community."
