The Albanese Labor Government is highlighting its commitment to ending violence against women through two programs that will provide more than $16 million in additional family, domestic and sexual violence support.
More than $10 million over four years has been made available for the National Perpetrator Intervention and Referral Services program and $6.4 million will go to train medical professionals and frontline workers to better recognise and respond to victims of sexual violence.
Accredited Training for Sexual Violence Responses, delivered by Monash University's Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, will be extended for 4.5 years to 30 June 2027 with the extra funds.
The National Perpetrator Intervention and Referral Services program will benefit from more than $10 million additional funding for counselling and training to help perpetrators change their abusive and violent behaviour. This will be delivered by No To Violence.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said building frontline workforce capacity is an essential element of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
So too is helping to change perpetrator behaviour, Minister Rishworth said.
"It is crucial that alongside funding supports for victims of sexual violence, we also support programs and services for perpetrators to change their abusive and violent behaviour," Minister Rishworth said.
"That's why I'm proud that the Government will commit over $10 million to keep this important program going."
No to Violence Chief Executive Officer Jacqui Watt said family and domestic violence is everyone's problem. But it begins - and ends - with men.
"Boys do not have to grow into violent men. Violence is a learnt behaviour. And violence is a choice," Ms Watt said.
"We need men to understand that Men's Referral Service is a service they can use to help make a different choice."
Minister Rishworth will also today convene a family and domestic violence roundtable in Melbourne with Victorian Senators Jana Stewart and Jess Walsh to discuss how to prevent violence, including in First Nations communities, people from diverse backgrounds and LGBTIQ+ people.
"This roundtable is a valuable opportunity for the Government to hear directly from community organisations what we need to do to prevent violence and to listen and respond to the voices of victim-survivors," Minister Rishworth said.
"Our government is committed to working in true partnership with all communities to develop meaningful and long-lasting solutions."
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
If you are concerned about your behaviour, call Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit ntv.org.au/get-help/ for judgement free support.
