Released 14/06/2024 - Joint media release
Preventing and responding to domestic, family and sexual violence is a key priority for the ACT Government.
That’s why the 2024-25 ACT Budget will provide over $12 million in additional funding to address domestic, family and sexual violence including coercive control.
Throughout the ACT and Australia, incidents of domestic violence continue to increase. It’s crucial that frontline services are well-equipped to respond.
This Budget includes a $375,000 coercive control package, to increase understanding and improve responses to this type of domestic violence.
The package will provide training to frontline agencies, such as ACT Policing and the Courts, on identifying and responding to coercive control. It will also provide for a public education campaign informed by specialist coercive control expertise.
Alongside this investment, a significant funding boost will be provided to frontline response services. The ACT Government recognises the vital work these services do in keeping women and families safe.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, YWCA, Beryl Women Inc, and Women’s Health Matters will all receive funding boosts.
As first points of support for many people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, crisis services, refuges and specialist services for men are all vital to address the immediate impact of domestic and family violence and keeping people safe.
This Budget also prioritises behaviour change for perpetrators. Funding of over $1.6 million for EveryMan will expand their violence prevention programs.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
“The ACT Government is prioritising the issue of domestic, family and sexual violence in this Budget with extra funding of $12 million.
“It is critical we develop services and responses that meet the need in our community, which is unfortunately increasing. We must have a coordinated understanding and response to domestic, family and sexual violence.
“Through the funding in this year’s budget we intend to form a consistent and effective response and to provide better support to victim-survivors.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette Berry
“Across Australia, domestic and family violence is a crisis that requires urgent and ongoing attention.”
“Governments at all levels need to be doing everything they can to bring an end to this epidemic.”
“This Budget places addressing domestic, family and sexual violence at the forefront of the ACT Government’s agenda.”
“Alongside significant funding boosts to frontline services, this Budget provides funding to develop an educational campaign on what constitutes coercive control and how to appropriately respond to it.”
Statement ends
If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic, family or sexual violence, please know you are not alone and help is available.
Support Services Contacts
Local supports
Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS)
Who: Anyone impacted by domestic, and family violence
Ph: 02 9280 0900
W: dvcs.org.au
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
Who: Anyone impacted by sexual violence
Ph: 02 6247 2525
W: crcc.org.au
Multicultural Hub Canberra
Who: Anyone with a multicultural background
Ph: 02 6100 4611
W: mhub.org.au
Victim Support ACT (VSACT) including VSACT specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outreach program
Ph: 1800 8222 72 or 02 6205 2222
W: victimsupport.act.gov.au
ACT Policing
Who: Anyone who requires police assistance.
Ph: 131 444
Please call 000 if you are in immediate danger
W: police.act.gov.au/online-services
24/7 Hotlines
1800 Respect
Who: Anyone impacted by sexual, domestic, or family violence
Ph: 1800 737 732
W: 1800respect.org.au
Full Stop Australia
Who: Anyone impacted by sexual, domestic, or family violence
Ph: 1800 385 578 (1800 FULL STOP)
W: fullstop.org.au
Lifeline
Who: Anyone who is feeling suicidal, overwhelmed, or having difficulty coping or staying safe
Ph: 13 11 14
W: lifeline.org.au
13YARN
Who: Anyone who identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and who requires support for any reason.
Ph: 13 92 76
W: 13yarn.org.au
Legal Supports
Women's Legal Centre ACT
Ph: 02 6257 4377
Legal Aid ACT Family and Personal Violence Unit
Ph: 1300 654 314 or 02 6207 1874
Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT Family Violence Prevention Unit
Ph: 02 6120 8850
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases