Theatre, “inclusive” language and developing leaders in gender equity will help prevent family violence in Geelong under a latest round of state funding, the Andrews Government has announced.
Four local initiatives would share in $130,000 from a $9 million statewide investment in projects advancing “gender equality, workplace respect and increased women’s participation in fields traditionally dominated by men”, the government said.
Geelong’s Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre would receive $43,175 for working with partner organisations to “engage with young people and their parents/carers”.
“The project aims to develop and distribute a narrative that supports healthy, safe and respectful relationships free from violence. The project uses language that is inclusive of LGBTIQ+ communities in relation to family violence,” the government said.
WIRE Women’s Information for Lead for Change would receive $39,250 to train “grassroots leaders in gender equality”.
The WIRE participants would “acquire skills in leading change in areas such as challenging the status quo, working with diverse views and influencing others”, the government said.
Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West would receive $15,700 for a “short theatre-based program” highlighting how bystanders can “interrupt the cycle of relationship violence and abuse”.
The fourth funding recipient, Barwon Community Legal Centre, would receive $30,000 for its existing Elder Abuse Prevention Network.
“Family violence is a national emergency, with one woman murdered at the hands of a current or former partner every week. It is the leading cause of death, disability and illness in Victorian women aged 15 to 44,” the government said.
“When it comes to addressing family violence, Victoria has led the nation with a landmark Royal Commission that brought down 227 recommendations which we have committed to implementing. “We have so far invested $2.7 billion towards implementing these recommendations and keeping women and children safe, more than all the states, territories and the federal government combined.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens welcomed the funding.
“Bad attitudes towards women lead to bad outcomes for women, which is why I’m proud we’re investing in Geelong to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women,” she said.
“We’re delivering landmark reforms to stamp out family violence and this funding to local organisations will help drive community change and bolster those efforts.”
