The state government has pledged $3.2 million a year for additional support workers and specialist registrars at magistrates courts across Victoria.
As part of the funding, a respondent support worker program will be set up at Sunshine Magistrates Court.
This will follow a recommendation made by Coroner Caitlyn English last month as part of findings into the death of a man at EJ Whitten Bridge in Kealba in 2010.
Respondent support workers provide information about accommodation, drug and alcohol services, general counselling, and family violence behaviour change programs.
The Sunshine court currently does not have a respondent support worker program.
“At some magistrates courts, such as Ballarat and Heidelberg, assistance is offered to respondents in family violence proceedings via a respondent support worker program,” the Coroner said in her report.
“The circumstances surrounding the death … [at Kealba] suggest such assistance would benefit respondents … and [it] should be extended to the Sunshine Magistrates Court.”
Last month, the state government committed $150 million to address violence against women and children.
Some of the funding will be allocated to provide a dedicated family violence registrar, an applicant support worker and a respondent support worker for all 13 magistrates courts in the state.
The Sunshine court already has an applicant support worker and specialist family violence registrar.
Attorney-General Robert Clark said having the specialist staff in all court regions would provide support for victims throughout the court process and help ensure their safety. “[It] will also increase perpetrator accountability and compliance with court orders,” he said.
The Court Integrated Services Program will also be expanded, with a focus on family violence offenders.
