The Victorian Government has announced it will provide immediate support to the City of Ballarat Council to implement initiatives to prevent violence against women.
The city is mourning the recent loss of three local women – Rebecca Young, Samantha Murphy and Hannah McGuire, as a result of violence alleged to have been carried out by men.
Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Vicki Ward yesterday visited Ballarat (pictured) to announce a $250,000 investment to help end family violence through a number of initiatives across Ballarat as part of the Free from Violence Local Government Program 2024-27.
“This recent violent loss of the lives of Rebecca, Samantha and Hannah in Ballarat highlight a brutal truth – that too many Victorian women aren’t safe in their own community. This is not ok,” said Ms Ward.
“This grant will deliver local initiatives addressing family violence, violence against women and importantly, engage men in this conversation, helping to ensure the women of Ballarat are safe in their own community and homes.”
The Minister said the Council will work closely with the community in addressing family violence through a new awareness campaign and engage with local businesses, community groups and male leaders on how to address the attitudes some other men hold.
The funding will also be used to develop a family and gendered violence prevention strategy, train staff and councillors in calling out violence against women and share what it learns with other councils, she said.
The Free from Violence Local Government Program 2024-27 supports councils to carry out violence prevention initiatives to ensure women feel safe in their own community.
“We will continue our nation-leading work to ensure women in Victoria live safely, happily and free from violence,” said Minister Ward.
