BOOST FOR FAMILY VIOLENCE SUPPORT SERVICES

The Andrews Labor Government is taking more action to boost family violence support services and protect victims

through an $81.3 million package in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget.

The package includes funding for the Royal Commission into Family Violence to continue its investigation of our

national emergency.

The Royal Commission will report back to the community in early 2016. Until then, strained family violence support

services need more funding to protect the growing number of women and children at risk so the Budget provides

$57.9 million to respond to family violence in 2015-16.

The Labor Government has also created a $16 million fund to deal with urgent or unforseen demand for services

arising from the Royal Commission. This includes $1 million for crisis support and $1 million to counselling services

for women and children in 2014-15.

The Budget delivers on Labor’s election promises in full, and also provides additional funding. It includes $2.5 million

for crisis support, purchasing approximately 15,000 nights of accommodation for victims in crisis situations, and $2.5

million for 55,000 hours of extra counselling services for women and children.

The Budget delivers on a $900,000 election commitment for a CCTV and duress card trial, helping at least 45 high-risk

women and children to remain safe in their homes. This supports the victim’s financial security and emotional

wellbeing, not just their physical safety. Also in the Budget:

• The Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault will receive more than $500,000 for additional resources

• Domestic Violence Victoria will receive $1.4 million to improve family violence services

• Victorian family violence legal services will receive $1.2 million to ensure family violence duty lawyers from

Community Legal Centres can help more victims in court

• A safety audit of the physical structure and operation of all Magistrates’ Courts across Victoria will make sure

victims are safe from intimidating or threatening behaviour while attending court proceedings

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Fiona Richardson

“Family violence is a national emergency and the Andrews Labor Government is taking action and leading the

nation.”

“We will continue to provide support for victims of family violence, and give women and children the confidence they

need to seek help.”

“This year’s Budget delivers in full on our election promises and provides vital support for frontline family service

providers.”