The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) has renewed its focus on stopping family and gendered violence before it starts, with the launch of a second action plan under its Free From Violence strategy.
In a statement, the Department said its Free From Violence Second Action Plan (2022–2025) marked the halfway point in the 10-year Strategy to break the cycle of family violence and violence against women.
DFFH said the Plan represented a partnership with Respect Victoria, the statutory authority dedicated to the primary prevention of all forms of family violence.
Announcing funding to support the Plan, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Gabrielle Williams said gender inequality set the underlying context for violence against women.
“Where women and men do not have equal power, resources or opportunities their voices, ideas and work are not valued equally by society,” Ms Williams said.
“Recognising the diversity of experiences of those who are impacted by violence, the Plan addresses the experiences of women with disability who experience violence, LGBTIQ+ people and elder abuse, and engagement with men and boys in prevention efforts,” she said.
“The Plan also highlights the need to work with Aboriginal communities to find solutions to end gendered violence that are governed by principles of self-determination, including programs led by community for community.”
Ms Williams said the Second Action Plan had 10 key priorities that would guide primary prevention work over the next three years, including the testing of new and innovative approaches; tailored approaches for diverse community groups; Aboriginal-led prevention; key settings; community engagement and awareness; and partnerships and advocacy.
The Minister said DFFH and Respect Victoria would also work on governance, coordination and system development; workforce and sector development; building knowledge; and monitoring and sharing outcomes.
The 51-page Action Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
