The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women has been marked by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Marise Payne.
Senator Payne, who is also the Minister for Women, said the day’s 2020 theme, Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect, reflected the Government’s response to domestic violence, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its support to service providers.
“The Government continues to make important strides to support women and children affected by domestic and family violence in what has been a challenging year,” Senator Payne said.
“In late March, we announced a $150 million Domestic Violence Support Package to boost domestic, family and sexual violence support services at this critical time.”
This was in addition to efforts under Australia’s National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children, which included a $340 million allocation under the Fourth Action Plan.
Minister for Families and Social Services, Anne Ruston announced three Indigenous organisations would share $1.125 million over the next two years to trial new family violence services in the Northern Territory.
“The aim of the two-year trial is to improve and expand culturally appropriate services and support specifically for Indigenous children and young people who have been impacted by family and domestic violence,” Senator Ruston said.
“Tangentyere Council in Alice Springs, the Katherine West Health Board in Katherine and the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council in Aputula will deliver the services.”
