Surf Coast Shire Council is looking to reduce the rates of domestic violence by applying for a Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) grant.
The council decided to go ahead with the submission of a $260,000 grant from the 2023 to 2026 MAV Free From Violence program during its November 28 meeting.
Councillor Adrian Schonfelder said the current rates of domestic violence were “completely unacceptable” and that it was important for council and government to address the problem.
“I really hope that we can make achievements in this area because it’s absolutely terrible when you do see the rates of domestic violence,” he said.
“We live in an environment where costs are increasing, but the fact that this grant is available is something we should take advantage of.
“There are generalisations about it happening in certain communities and stereotypes about people being married for a long time, but it does also affect people in recent and short-term relationships.”
The grant would deliver $200,000 for a gender equity officer for three years and $10,000 for an external organisation to provide community workshops and consultations on gender equality and intersexuality.
It also includes $50,000 for an external organisation to deliver gender equality and intersexuality training for staff, executive management and councillors.
The council is required to contribute $10,000 for campaigns and initiatives and $52,861 from in-kind contributions for the grant.
