Family violence investment a first step towards keeping women and children safe

Today’s announcement from the Federal Government of a $100 million package to stop family violence in Australia is the first step in a longer journey towards ending the crisis levels of the problem currently experienced across the country according to the Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS).

NCOSS CEO Tracy Howe, a member of the COAG Advisory Panel on Reducing Violence against Women and their Children panel, said it was pleasing to see the package responded to the initial advice put forward to COAG in July. 

“This must remain an absolute priority. Women and children must have access to the right support, at the right time so that they feel secure and live without fear. 

“In Australia, one in three women over the age of 15 experiences physical violence in their lifetime; no community is exempt from this reality. But it doesn’t have to be the case. We can stop it.

“The measures outlined today show that the Government is committed to taking action that will start this important process.

“The combination of improve frontline services, initiatives to develop resources for teachers, parents and students on respectful relationships and a broader National Campaign to shift attitudes that perpetuate this type of violence will form a strong platform from which to make this change happen.”   

Ms Howe said she looked forward to continuing the important work done to date with the panellists.

“We need to be developing more helpful, timely, integrated and innovative services that support women and children and that break the cycle of violence.

“This means committing to a long term strategy in order to deliver the long-term changes we need to see.”

The Panel is working on its final report to COAG which will focus on recommending to governments long-term initiatives to keep women and their children safe.