The Andrews Labor Government is helping to protect families by keeping perpetrators of family violence accountable and in plain sight.
Two years on from the findings of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today announced $7.36 million for a new case management model – never before trialled in Victoria – for perpetrators of family violence.
Under the trial, case managers will provide a tailored plan to help perpetrators address their complex needs, such as alcohol and drug misuse, homelessness and issues relating to mental and physical health.
They will also monitor victim safety through a family contact system to ensure their concerns are heard.
Up to 2,000 places across the state will be made available, with dedicated funding for Aboriginal and LGBTI service providers.
The new approach – developed in consultation with No to Violence and Domestic Violence Victoria – responds to key recommendations by the Royal Commission into Family Violence and builds on the Labor Government’s recent $9.1 million investment for 4,000 community-based men’s behaviour change places and $2.3 million for men’s intake and referral services.
An enhanced men’s behaviour change program model was recently released, increasing behaviour change programs from 12 to 20 weeks and ensuring that additional support is available for victim survivors and their families.
Under new information sharing legislation, men’s behaviour change program workers will be able to share vital information on family violence risk, ensuring greater coordination in the broader community services sector.
This investment is part of the Labor Government’s unprecedented $1.9 billion family violence package, which includes $49.5 million over four years for the Changing Perpetrator Behaviour initiative.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“It is vital that our approach to family violence not only supports victims, but helps to challenge and change perpetrator behaviour – we must hold them to account for their actions, while addressing their complex needs.”
“It’s now been two years since the Royal Commission delivered its report and it’s a timely reminder that there’s more work to be done to end family violence in Victoria.”
Quote attributable to CEO of No to Violence Jacqui Watt
“We are committed to keeping families safe by getting perpetrators of family violence the help they need and to understand the impacts of their behaviour.”
Quote attributable to CEO of Domestic Violence Victoria Fiona McCormack
“This is one important element of what’s required to create a web of accountability around men who choose to use violence.”
