Backing Aboriginal-led groups to prevent family violence

By PETER ROWE

The Victorian Government is supporting Aboriginal-led organisations and communities with funding to prevent and respond to family violence.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins has announced $1.1 million funding will see eligible Aboriginal-led organisations and community groups receive grants of up to $100,000 to deliver innovative approaches to family violence prevention and response.

“Aboriginal-led organisations and groups know what works best for their communities to prevent and respond to family violence– that’s why we’re backing community-led initiatives to address the disproportionate levels of family violence in the community,” Ms Hutchins said.

“We are working in partnership with Aboriginal-led organisations and preventing family violence across Victoria by changing laws, changing culture and delivering new support for victim survivors when they need it most.”

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund is open for projects under that world-leading Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way – Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families agreement.

Victoria’s Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins.

Dhelk Dja is the Aboriginal-led agreement between Victorian Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal organisations and the Labor Government which helps ensure Aboriginal people, families and communities are stronger, safer and live free from the harm of family violence.

Since the landmark Royal Commission into Family Violence in 2015, the Labor Government has invested more than $4 billion to improve the way we prevent and respond to family violence.

Last year, the State Government announced the Strengthening Women’s Safety Package, which included work to prevent violence and provide tailored responses for women and children who experience family violence, while keeping the focus on holding men who use violence accountable.

Applications for this year’s round will close on 14 February 2025. For more information, visit vic.gov.au/aboriginal-cif.