- Published:
- Tuesday 20 March 2018
The Andrews Labor Government is protecting victims of family violence by boosting programs that encourage perpetrators to change their attitudes and behaviour.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today announced the release of a new and enhanced men’s behaviour change program model, alongside more than $9.1 million for additional places in men’s behaviour change programs and $2.3 million for men’s intake and referral services.
This investment will support the delivery of more than 4,000 community based men’s behaviour change places in 2018-19 – an increase of more than 500 places state-wide – to be delivered by 32 community organisations.
The new model, developed in consultation with No to Violence and Domestic Violence Victoria, responds to key recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Family Violence and includes:
- Increasing behaviour change program duration from 12 to 20 weeks
- Additional support for victim survivors and their families
- Ensuring all family violence workers are able to share vital information with partner community services, such as specialist victims agencies
- Greater coordination with the broader community services sector.
The Labor Government has invested an additional $150,000 in No to Violence to help transition service providers to the new model and will support workforce development by funding 30 places in this year’s Graduate Certificate in Male Family Violence.
This investment is part of the Government’s unprecedented $1.9 billion package announced in the Victorian Budget 2017/18 to address the scourge of family violence. This record investment includes $49.4 million over four years for the Changing Perpetrator Behaviour initiative.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“Every Victorian deserves to live in a home free from violence. Holding perpetrators to account and treating the cause of the problem is key to achieving this.”
“We’re investing in programs that improve the safety of victims of family violence and reduce the prospect of future offending by perpetrators.”
Quote attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins
“As men are overwhelmingly the perpetrators of family violence, these programs are essential when it comes to stopping the scourge of family violence and keeping women and children safe.”
Quote attributable to No to Violence CEO Jacqui Watt
“No to Violence welcomes the Victorian Government’s additional investment to Men’s Behaviour Change Programs. With this additional funding, we will see more programs filled, smaller waiting lists, and safer families.”