20 May 2025
While there were important initiatives announced in the Victorian State Budget today, the Victorian peak body for ending men’s use of family violence, No to Violence, said too much is being invested too late to end family violence.
No to Violence CEO Phillip Ripper said he agreed with the Premier that every government dollar needs to be spent where it matters most, but when it comes to ending family violence that means spending much more, much earlier.
“A more than $2 billion increase in spending on the criminal justice system won’t, ultimately, drive rates of violence down. And of that $2 billion, less than $2 million was allocated to support programs in prisons to help facilitate behaviour change. And only $14 million to support Aboriginal community-based justice solutions and help Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations (ACCOs) to support diversion programs.”
“This is not working to keep our families and communities safe. It’s creating a revolving door that isn’t stopping family violence. Over half of frontline policing in Victoria is related to family violence. And nearly half of that is focused on men who have offended 6 times or more.”
“We need a response that is commensurate with the scale of the crisis.”
“Ongoing funding for adolescent violence in the home programs and those for prevention and early intervention for multicultural and faith communities, and the extension of the funding for intensive high-risk perpetration innovations are incredibly valuable. But we need to invest much more, much earlier to end family violence.”
Mr Ripper said we needed to see dedicated funding to broaden the suite of effective interventions available for meaningful behaviour change.
“That includes for young people,” he said. “This Budget emphasies youth justice interventions for general crime but lacks specific early intervention programs for young people living with or showing signs of using violence in relationships or family contexts.”
For interviews please contact David Sutherland at davids@ntv.org.au or 0405 354 343
