$3,500,000 BOOST FOR FAMILY VIOLENCE SUPPORT SERVICES IN MELBOURNE’S WEST

The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with implementing Family Violence Royal Commission recommendations through further investments in support services for victims of family violence and sexual assault and the appointment of an Implementation Monitor.

Member for Altona District, Jill Hennessy today welcomed the announcement of funding boost of $87 million for family violence support services across Victoria.

For families, women and children in Melbourne’s west this equates to a funding boost of $3,500,000 for a range of critical support services.

Highlights of the investment include:

• $45.6 million over two years to boost specialist family violence client support
• $17 million in 2016-17 for flexible support packages
• $6.4 million over two years to support adults, young people and children are victims of sexual             assault
• $5.2 million for men’s family violence services
• $5 million over two years for counselling for women and children

The funding will more than double the capacity of specialist family violence service providers to offer case management to family violence victims – with at least 9,000 women and children expected to benefit in 2016-17.

It will expand case management, men’s family violence services, counselling for women and children, flexible support packages and sexual assault support services as well as provide greater support for women and children from Aboriginal or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds (CALD).

Ms Hennessy said this state-wide funding boost will provide a 480 per cent increase in Flexible Support Packages for victims of family violence, with 5,100 packages available for practical support including rental or relocation costs, furnishings, clothing and books for children or security measures to improve safety at home.

Women and children will get the support they need through safety planning and crisis response, with comprehensive help to access housing options, legal support, financial counselling and therapeutic interventions.

Sexual assault victims will be supported through crisis care, counselling and advocacy, and more than 1900 men who use violence will receive support to change their attitudes and behaviour.

This major investment is part of the $572 million immediate response to the Family Violence Royal Commission announced in the 2016-17 Victorian Budget earlier this year.

Quote attributable to the Member for Altona District, Jill Hennessy

“The Andrews Labor Government is determined to ensure family violence agencies are able to offer women and children in the Altona District the support they need.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“The lasting impact of family violence and sexual assault can’t be underestimated – and that’s why we’re acting to ensure every victim in Victoria can access the support they need, when they need it.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley

“The safety and security of victims of family violence is our number one priority. Helping women and children to find suitable accommodation or access legal and financial support are practical supports that can make a real difference