Thursday, 26 May 2022

Multicultural Alliance of Women against Family Violence

Ms BURNETT-WAKE (Eastern Victoria) (10:34): Last sitting week I had the honour of attending the launch of the Multicultural Alliance of Women against Family Violence. The goal of the alliance is to address family violence in multicultural communities and advocate for funding for culturally specific support services. The group formed in response to a lack of awareness and action being taken around family violence in our culturally diverse communities. As it stands, Victoria does not have culturally specific women’s refuges available for women and children escaping family violence. This overall lack of support results in many women staying in violent relationships, which is devastating and can have dire consequences. Six years on from the Royal Commission into Family Violence, it is disappointing that there are still so many barriers to women and children seeking help. I commend the alliance for coming together to address these gaps in family violence services. As a former volunteer at the Casey Cardinia Community Legal Service, I understand the many challenges faced by our CALD community, particularly when it comes to migration and visa issues for women escaping family violence. As an MP I will advocate at every available opportunity for better support services for all victims of family violence. Everyone deserves safety and respect. Congratulations again to the alliance. I cannot wait to see the positive changes that come about from its advocacy.