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Councils preventing violence against women (14 Dec)

14/12/2011
With statistics that show one in three women is likely to be impacted by domestic violence, councils are driving community-based programs to change attitudes and behaviours that tolerate violence against women - a crime that is serious and preventable.

​MAV President, Cr Bill McArthur said that a vision where Australian women and their children live free from violence in safe communities is possible if we all work together.

“Achieving this vision requires commitment and contributions from all levels of government, as well as businesses, schools, sporting groups, community organisations and individuals.

“Councils play a key role in creating healthy, safe and engaged communities as part of their obligation to improve the overall quality of life of people in their local municipality.

“Councils’ leadership role to prevent violence against women is vital given the horrific data that shows violence is the leading contributor to ill health and death in women aged 15 – 44.

“This is higher than cancer, diabetes and heart disease, and Victoria’s reported incidents of family violence in 2009 cost the economy $3.4 billion,” he said.

At an MAV forum held in Melbourne today, pioneering work was showcased to demonstrate how Victorian councils are developing initiatives in partnership with their communities to prevent violence against women. 

Speaking at the forum, Minister for Women’s Affairs, Mary Wooldridge said “local government is well placed to address violence against women in the community.

“The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.5 million to help local councils build respectful, equitable and non-violent communities through a whole-of-community approach.”

The MAV has been working closely with councils across the state to address violence against women, with funding support from the Victorian Government.

Cr McArthur said it was important to share the leading work by councils to build skills and capacity across the sector, and learn from the programs that are making a difference in communities.

“The Baby makes 3 project was showcased as an evidence-based prevention program that is helping to maintain equal and respectful relationships between men and women during the transition to parenthood.

“Delivered across the Whitehorse municipality, this award-winning initiative is a leading example of how councils are working in partnership with community organisations to prevent violence before it occurs.

“The City of Moreland’s Sports Ground Allocation Policy was also showcased. Since being introduced 12 months ago, women’s participation has increased from 8 per cent to 15 per cent – a great achievement.

“There is a correlation between more equitable social inclusion of women and lower instances of violence against them. Moreland Council’s Family Violence Prevention Strategy is one of the best in the country.

“Three local government clusters funded by the Victorian Government also shared updates on the development of their whole-of-community strategies to prevent violence against women.

“Local government has been an early leader in this area and will continue to model and promote equal and respectful relationships between men and women,” he said.

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Contact MAV President Cr Bill McArthur on 0437 984 793 or MAV Communications on 03 9667 5547.