The Auditor General has released a report on the Department of Social Services’ activities relating to the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022. The report stated that the department’s ‘effectiveness in implementing the National Plan is reduced by a lack of attention to implementation planning and performance measurement’. In addition,…
Fiona McCormack, former CEO of Domestic Violence Victoria has been appointed as Victoria’s new Victims of Crime Commissioner. This role is an independent and central point of contact for victims of violent crime who have experienced difficulties in their dealings with the justice system and government agencies. The Commissioner also acts as a voice for…
The State Government has announced an extra $7.8 million as part of the budget to enhance the capacity of hospital staff to identify and respond to family violence. Already, 28,000 healthcare workers have been trained and this funding will ensure the workforce continues to receive the training to ensure victim survivors receive the support they…
inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence has a new initiative, inSpire, helping migrant and refugee women rebuild their lives, focusing on both their economic independence and emotional wellbeing. inSpire supports and empowers women and their children to overcome financial hardships, feel reconnected with the community and to start a new life. For more information see…
The State Government is rolling out a new advertising campaign, Respect Older People – Call it Out, to encourage Victorians to call out elder abuse. The government has also funded $50,000 for an Elder Abuse Prevention Network Framework, to help promote awareness of elder abuse and prevention through workshops and education. World Elder Abuse Awareness…
Seniors Rights Victoria is surveying family violence workers to determine their training needs in relation to elder abuse. Their aim is to develop training that supports workers to integrate a practice approach that is inclusive of older people. All participants who complete the 5 minute Elder Abuse Training Needs Survey will go in a draw…
Northern Community Legal Centre are exploring the adequacy of Australian laws when it comes to protecting and ensuring access to services for Indian women affected by family violence in Australia, and the barriers and stereotypes that impede their journey to safety, security and recovery. A grant from the Victorian Legal Services Board has allowed Northern…
The Youth Report Findings of the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS) were released this month. The report suggests young Australians, particularly young men, need more education in relation to their understanding of sexism, violence and abuse against women. While the report shows that most young people have a good knowledge…
The Australian Law Reform Commission report on the review of the family law system was released in April. The 60 recommendations for family law reform mainly focus on administrative changes that improve the efficiencies of the family court system. Recommendations include ‘closing the jurisdictional gap between the family court and state-based court systems, amending the factors…
The final Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Royal Commission into Violence, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability have been released. They include inquiring into: What governments, institutions and the community should do to prevent, and better protect, people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation, and how to achieve best practice…
