Educating Indigenous young people to prevent violence against women

Indigenous young people in Griffith, NSW will benefit from almost $160,000 as part of 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 today announced that Youth off the Streets will receive funding to deliver programs that encourage young Indigenous people to develop healthy relationships without violence.

“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 behaviour and encourage community responsibility to support the reduction of violence against women.”

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.

Senator Stephens said that Youth off the Streets would be funded to build the capacity of Aboriginal young people in Griffith so they were better equipped to access the available support services and develop healthy relationships.

“Youth off the Streets will deliver a range of programs including, camps for young males at risk of becoming perpetrators, organising social and engagement activities with Elders as well as establish a local Youth Advisory Group and Domestic and Family Violence Committee,” Senator Stephens said.

Youth off the Streets Founder and CEO, Father Chris Riley, welcomed the grant.

“The funding will deliver an awareness program about domestic and family abuse to the community of Griffith and be invaluable in preventing the cycle of abuse experienced by young women,” he said.

Ms Ellis commended Youth off the Streets for its commitment to addressing this serious issue in the community, and said these grants will support them to lead and support social change in Griffith.

“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