Tara Murray
A new program to help councils prevent family violence has been launched.
The Free from Violence Local Government Program 2022-2025, which was launched by the state government, aims to provide support to councils to deliver long-term family violence prevention initiatives.
Grants of up to $270,000 across three three years are available to councils, supporting the implementation of The Local Government Guide To Preventing Family Violence and All Forms of Violence Against Women which will both be released mid-2022.
Municipal Association Victoria president, councillor David Clark, said the new program will help councils to continue the significant work that has already started to prevent family violence.
“For more than a decade, Victorian councils have proven their unrivaled reach and capacity to engage with community around the issue of family violence prevention,” Cr Clark said.
“Councils are working alongside sports clubs, businesses and schools to drive real, sustainable change and we’re proud to emphasise this work through our publications and those of our member councils.
“Councils are doing an important job engaging their communities in conversations about gender equality, respect and ending the scourge of family violence through this campaign.”
The MAV has also released a publication and video, Communities Free from Violence: local government leading change.
It shows the work of 35 council projects funded by the previous round of the grand program.
The booklet and video highlight why councils are a critical facilitator when tackling this issue and provides examples of the breadth of diverse work many communities have already undertaken to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women.
This work includes forming community coalitions, engaging sector experts and providing training and support to improve gender equality and prevent family violence.
Applications for the Free from Violence Local Government Program 2022-2025 are now open.
Details: www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/
