Minister says big job still lies ahead

THERE is still “a lot of work to do” to prevent and respond to family violence in Victoria, the state Prevention of Family Violence Minister believes.

Gabrielle Williams (pictured) said on Friday that one of the big challenges was preventing the violence from happening in the first place, by changing “deeply entrenched beliefs and structural systems” and “reset[ting] the bar on what is acceptable and to learn and model healthy relationships”.

Ms Williams said the Barwon area had received more than $20m this financial year in family violence and sexual assault funding. “We know that access to stable housing is a key factor in supporting people who are experiencing family violence and that is a key area of focus in Geelong. Through our $5.3bn Big Housing Build, a minimum of $200m is being invested in Geelong and the Surf Coast to build more social housing,” she said

Ms Williams said her time as the minister had taught her the importance of family violence support services such as The Orange Door. Almost 20,000 referrals have been made to The Orange Door in the Barwon region since its 2018 opening.

“I have heard from many victim survivors about their personal experiences and insights of family violence, and the long-term pain it can cause,” she said. “I have also spoken to frontline workers about their experiences and challenges.

“Listening to these lived experiences has reinforced how important it is to know where to go for help and support, and to have confidence in these support systems.”