Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison has welcomed $484,019 in funding for local family violence services as part of a $20.2 State Government million funding package during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Funding of $329,050 will allow WRISC Family Violence Support to respond to the increase in demand for family violence support for women and children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The funding also includes

• $45,825 for Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC)
• $22,501 for Ballarat Community Health
• $40,478 for Ballarat Health Services
• $46,165 for Child & Family Services Ballarat (CAFS)

Overall, the funding package includes $5.1 million for more flexible support packages across the state, and about $5 million for new technology and protective protection equipment to help family violence and sexual assault organisations adapt their services and keep their staff safe, while protecting and supporting victim survivors and their families.

The package also included targeted $2.2 million funding for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to meet additional demand for family violence case management and crisis support.

The $20.2 million funding boost forms part of the Victorian Government investment of $40.2 million in crisis accommodation and specialist services for people suffering or at risk of family violence.

This commitment includes an additional $6 million provided by the Commonwealth Government to help meet the needs of Victorians experience family violence during the coronavirus pandemic.

For help and support, and to find out more, visit safe steps.org.au or call safe steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Family violence is a national emergency, with one woman killed at the hands of a current or former partner every week. It is the leading cause of death, disability and illness in Victorian women aged 15 to 44 years. We are supporting local services to protect families and prevent violence in our community.” 

“Research shows that during times of crisis, like now with the coronavirus pandemic, family violence can increase. That is why this funding for family violence support services across Ballarat is so important. Additional funding means additional services and support.”

 Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“For some women, sudden unemployment, extended periods of isolation and having the family at home together can contribute to a heightened risk of family violence.”

“No matter the situation, violence is never ok. This extra accommodation will mean women in Ballarat experiencing or at risk of family violence throughout this pandemic will have somewhere safe to stay when they need it most.”

Quotes attributable to WRSIC Executive Officer Libby Jewson

“The Central Highlands region is very pleased to receive this Covid-19 boost funding in relation to responding to Family Violence.”

“As the Executive Officer of WRISC Family Violence support this Covid-19 boost funding is very welcomed and will be used to help keep women and children safe during this time as well as support WRISC to adjust to the changed working conditions so that we can all work together to continue to respond to family violence in the Central Highlands region.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams

“For some women, the biggest fear during this pandemic won’t be coronavirus – it will be the fear they can’t escape a violent partner. That’s why this funding is so important – it will give them and their children a safe place to go.”

“We’ve worked with our specialist family violence services to identify and deliver exactly what they need to help Victorians escaping family violence throughout the coronavirus pandemic. No one will be left behind. “