As family violence training rolls out across the Hume, practitioners have applauded the Victorian government for “walking the talk” – but the same can’t be said for its federal counterparts.
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Women’s Health Goulburn North East chief executive Susie Reid said the Commonwealth had been overshadowed by Daniel Andrews’ pledge of $572 million.
“We knew the Victorian government were going to provide dollars and they have,” she said.
“The federal government have put up $100 million for three years … if you divide that over three years and across Australia, it’s not a lot,” she said.
Ms Reid said $100 million was a disappointing figure in comparison to $30 billion for national security.
“In Australia, 29 women have died this year so far,” she said.
“If 29 people had died in terrorist attacks, there would be a whole lot of hoo-ha.”
The state government’s first priorities were implementing 65 pressing recommendations including crisis accommodation.
No announcements have been made about where 17 safety hubs across the state will be established.
Ms Reid said preventative strategies, such as the introduction of respectful relationships education into all Victorian schools by 2022, were integral.
“I want money going to prevention as well as response, we have to start changing attitudes,” she said.
Prevention has been a key focus of training being rolled out by the organisation.
WHGNE family violence trainer Rachael Mackay presented a workshop at the Tallangatta Health Service as part of a year-long program.
“We’re running training all over the Hume … every week we’ve got sessions in the region,” she said.
“A lot of it is around building peoples’ confidence, no matter where they are, for responding and referring on.
“We know women want to be asked – the worst thing that can happen is they’re sitting there, and they know you know.
“We want people skilled up and feeling confident about who to talk to and where to go.”
The training, a first for the Tallangatta Health Service, received so much interest from health practitioners a waiting list had to be created.
Tallangatta Secondary College educational support officer Joy Campbell said she wanted to find ways to best support children experiencing family violence.
“I think programs aimed at boys would be very valuable and also giving girls strategies. They need to know what is not normal relationships,” she said.
If you need support with family violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
