Tuesday, 28 November 2023

Ministers statements: family violence

Vicki WARD (Eltham – Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Employment) (14:06): Last Friday I joined thousands of Victorians walking to end family violence. Led by Respect Victoria, passionate advocates, dedicated family violence sector workers, community leaders, union members, nurses, teachers, men’s sheds, sports clubs, local government and people from across our state walked together, in the CBD and regionally, to show their commitment to ending family violence and to mark the beginning of 2023’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.

Family violence happens in every suburb, every community, every city and every town. It is happening in the homes of friends, families, colleagues, sporting clubs and even book clubs. It is pervasive, it is insidious and it can be fatal. We all have a responsibility, individually and collectively, to end this violence. Thank you to the communities who will hold over 125 diverse events across the state, raising awareness about gender-based violence. Overwhelmingly, violence is used by men against women. Thank you to the member for Pakenham who last week invited me to explore the White Ribbon Art Gallery, which features strong, emotive and personal paintings concerning family violence.

The Allan Labor government has worked hard and will continue to work hard in tackling this epidemic head-on. We have invested over $3.86 billion in supports and prevention, and we have implemented all 227 recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence. We know there is more to do. Over 16 days we will shine a light on changing cultural attitudes, addressing gender inequality and the work that is done daily to support those with a lived experience of family violence. We will keep up the momentum of change because we have to.