New funding for community projects to reduce violence against women

Community organisations can now apply for grants to help deliver projects to reduce violence against women and their children, Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Scott Morrison and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash announced today.

A total of $4 million is available under the Building Safe Communities for Women and their Children initiative to fund one-off projects across Australia to address domestic violence.

“In order to significantly reduce the prevalence of violence against women in our society, it is vital the broader community understands and recognises domestic violence and its impacts, and is prepared to act,” Minister Morrison said.

“This funding will support community organisations to create their own solutions to tackle violence against women and respond to local needs.

“It will enable communities to invest funding where it is needed most to create an environment where women and their children are safe and supported.”

The Coalition Government understands that domestic violence affects different women in different ways and as such innovative and original solutions must be sourced from communities across the country.

Funding of up to $150,000 over two financial years is available to community groups, not-for profit organisations, and local government authorities from 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2017.

“The reduction of violence against women is a priority for this Government, but we cannot achieve this alone,” Minister Cash said.

“Everyone – government, business, community and civil society – must work together to prevent this national tragedy.

“We are confident that creative projects will emerge from across Australia and the initiatives funded under this grants process will be an important part of our efforts to reduce violence against women.”

This funding is an Australian Government initiative under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022. It builds on the partnership between Australian governments and communities to reduce violence against women and their children.

Applications close 2pm AEST Thursday 27 August 2015. Further information is available at www.dss.gov.au/grants.

Victims of domestic and family violence and / or sexual assault, as well as their family and friends can contact 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au