In Summary
- Council awarded $250,000 funding over three years for the Free from Violence Local Government Grant Program.
- The funding supports the implementation of a local government guide for preventing family violence and violence against women.
- Council aims to take a comprehensive approach by embedding primary prevention strategies across its operations and engaging with diverse community groups.
- A part-time Project Coordinator will be employed to lead this initiative, with applications open until 17 May 2024.
Alongside 11 other Councils, Greater Shepparton City Council will receive $250,000 over the next three years to implement the local government guide for preventing family violence and all forms of violence against women. The guide will support Council to take a whole-of-council approach to embedding primary prevention of family violence by considering the role Council plays as a workplace, a service provider, a connector, a leader and a decision maker.
The Free from Violence Local Government Program contributes to the Victorian Government’s vision to create a Victoria where everyone experiences equality, respect and lives free from violence.
In Australia, the rates of family violence and violence against women present an urgent need for change. Research shows that one in two women have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime and one in five women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
It also shows that one in three women have experienced physical violence by a partner or other known person or stranger since the age of 15, one in four women have experienced emotional abuse by a current or previous partner and on average, one woman a week is killed by their current or former partner.
Council is building on the commitment through its Council Plan 2021-2025 and Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025 to supporting the mental and physical health and wellbeing of all in our community, ensuring universal access to information, services, housing, healthcare and learning opportunities.
“All women and children have the right to be safe in their own home, workplace and community. Through this funding, Council will undertake primary prevention work across internal and external facing programs to help the community understand the pivotal role they play in contributing to a safe community,” Council’s Acting Director of Community, Karen Liversidge said.
“We are committed to taking a whole-of-council approach to embedding primary prevention of family violence and the violence against women. The funding will support the employment of a part-time Project Coordinator who will work closely across Council to review existing policies and procedures, implement actions of relevant Council strategies as well as engage with diverse community groups, sporting clubs, businesses, education and service providers to build awareness and deliver training and educational programs.”
Council are currently advertising for a part-time, temporary Project Coordinator until April 2027 to lead this work, supported by the Community Wellbeing Department. Applications close Friday 17 May 2024. Applications can be made by clicking the button below.
Find out more information about the Free from Violence Local Government Grant Program here.
You can also contact Council’s Community Wellbeing department via email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au (att: Community Wellbeing) or via phone on (03) 5832 9700.
