Thursday, 2 May 2024

Western Victoria Region

Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (12:46): (830) My question is for the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence. Thirty-five women have been killed by men this year in Australia. In response to these deaths the Premier has suggested some changes to sentencing and policing, but we cannot let policing come at the cost of prevention. This week I have heard from three prevention programs in my electorate that will lose funding after June. Youth Junction, which services the western suburbs, including Melton, engages young men who are showing signs of violence in the home. The men’s initiative in the Grampians equips male leaders in rural communities with skills to address misogynistic behaviour. And Child and Family Services Ballarat runs court-mandated and voluntary men’s behaviour change programs. Will the minister commit to sustained and elevated funding for these programs that engage men in active, evidence-based prevention work?