Community organisations receive grants to reduce violence against women and their children
Minister for the Status of Women Kate Ellis has announced new funding today for Western Australian community organisations to take action to reduce violence against women.
The Minister for the Status of Women, Kate Ellis today announced that City of Stirling and Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors will share in almost $500,000 as part of the 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 in funding to support the implementation of the plan.
“Shockingly, nearly one in three Australian women experience physical violence since the age of 15, and almost one in five women are victims of sexual violence,” Ms Ellis said.
“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 relationships that are based on respect.”
“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 behaviors, and encourage community responsibility to support the reduction of violence against women.
The Australian Government will provide:
- $250,000 over three years to the City of Stirling to run workshops on primary prevention programs such as non-violent alternatives, conflict resolutions, anger management and respect; and
- $247,875 over three years for the Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors to support the education of the African community in Perth on domestic violence and other family relationship related challenges.
City of Stirling Mayor, Cr David Boothman said, “Domestic violence knows no socio-economic or cultural boundaries, it touches ever corner of our community and this grant will go a long way to ensuring families in such environments within the City of Stirling are assisted to improve their lives.”
Ms Allison I’Dell, CEO, Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors, welcomed the Community Action Grant, saying it would “enable us to extend the work we are doing in partnership with African communities with a refugee background in promoting healthy family relationships and reducing violence against women.”
Ms Ellis commended City of Stirling and Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors for their 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 behaviors that allow violence to occur, all levels of government are saying a very loud “no” to violence,” Ms Ellis said.
The Australian Government has committed $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 these two Perth projects supporting Indigenous women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
A copy of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 is available from www.fahcsia.gov.au