Preventing and responding to domestic, family and sexual violence is a key priority for the ACT Government.
That's why the 2024-25 ACT Budget will provide over $12 million in additional funding to address domestic, family and sexual violence including coercive control.
Throughout the ACT and Australia, incidents of domestic violence continue to increase. It's crucial that frontline services are well-equipped to respond.
This Budget includes a $375,000 coercive control package, to increase understanding and improve responses to this type of domestic violence.
The package will provide training to frontline agencies, such as ACT Policing and the Courts, on identifying and responding to coercive control. It will also provide for a public education campaign informed by specialist coercive control expertise.
Alongside this investment, a significant funding boost will be provided to frontline response services. The ACT Government recognises the vital work these services do in keeping women and families safe.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, YWCA, Beryl Women Inc, and Women's Health Matters will all receive funding boosts.
As first points of support for many people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, crisis services, refuges and specialist services for men are all vital to address the immediate impact of domestic and family violence and keeping people safe.
This Budget also prioritises behaviour change for perpetrators. Funding of over $1.6 million for EveryMan will expand their violence prevention programs.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
"The ACT Government is prioritising the issue of domestic, family and sexual violence in this Budget with extra funding of $12 million.
"It is critical we develop services and responses that meet the need in our community, which is unfortunately increasing. We must have a coordinated understanding and response to domestic, family and sexual violence.
"Through the funding in this year's budget we intend to form a consistent and effective response and to provide better support to victim-survivors.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette Berry
"Across Australia, domestic and family violence is a crisis that requires urgent and ongoing attention."
"Governments at all levels need to be doing everything they can to bring an end to this epidemic."
"This Budget places addressing domestic, family and sexual violence at the forefront of the ACT Government's agenda."
"Alongside significant funding boosts to frontline services, this Budget provides funding to develop an educational campaign on what constitutes coercive control and how to appropriately respond to it."
Statement ends
If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic, family or sexual violence, please know you are not alone and help is available.
