Preventing domestic violence against young mothers in Queensland

Queensland organisation, Young Parents Program will receive almost $250,000 over the next three years under the Australian Government’s National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.

The National Plan brings together the efforts of governments across the nation to make a real and sustained reduction in the levels of violence against women. The Australian Government has committed more than $86 million to support the implementation of the plan.

The Minister for the Status of Women, Kate Ellis and Senator for Queensland Mark Furner today announced Young Parents Program Inc would receive new funding to support the VALUE-ing (Violence Ain’t Love Understanding and Empowering) project for young pregnant women and young mothers in Brisbane.

“We know that reducing violence is something that the Government cannot do alone, which is why it is so important that we work with community organisations on the ground to promote respectful relationships and ensure that women can live lives free of violence,” Ms Ellis said.

“All forms of violence against women are unacceptable – in any community and in any culture – and it is everyone’s responsibility to reject and prevent violence.

“These grants will support activities that prevent, respond to, and speak out against violence, change community attitudes and behaviours, and encourage community responsibility to support the reduction of violence against women.”

Senator for Queensland, Mark Furner, said they were pleased to see the Australian Government commit $3.75 million for Community Action Grants, which will be distributed amongst 17 community and sporting organisations across the country.

“A range of funded projects will support different communities, with the Young Parents Program working to develop strategies to prevent and speak out against violence towards pregnant and young mothers,” Mark Furner said.

“The Young Parents Program will work with young mothers and deliver relationship workshops, peer leadership training, community education and provide resources to prevent violence against women.”

Young Parents Program Coordinator, Shirley Peppler welcomed the grant.

“We are thrilled to be receiving the grant and look forward to developing resources and peer leadership skills with the young women, which can then be shared with the broader community,” Ms Peppler said.

“It is a joy to work with young women at this critical life stage when they are so open to exploring new ideas and are excited about influencing the next generation of Australians – the children of these young mums.”

Ms Ellis commended the Young Parents Program for its commitment to addressing this serious issue in the community, and said these grants will support them to lead and support social change.

“Changing community attitudes is a long-term challenge. By working together and challenging the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to occur, all levels of government are saying a very loud “no” to violence,” Ms Ellis said.

A copy of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 is available from www.fahcsia.gov.au.