Encouraging greater participation of women in local government and preventing violence against women are two of our key policy areas.

Preventing violence against women

The Local Government and Community Partnerships Program – Preventing Violence Against Women Project works with local councils towards the prevention of violence against women.

The partnership program is funded by the Victorian Government’s Office of Women’s Policy, Department of Human Services.

As part of the program, we are supporting councils and the work they do in their communities by disseminating resources and tools and providing forums for discussion and networking.

The program also seeks to engage councils new to this work by helping them access the best information and adapt models that have been successful elsewhere.

We also provide support to embed prevention of violence against women and gender equity into council policies and programs.

Addressing violence against women and their children

​MAV President Bill McArthur launched the Prevention of violence against women leadership statement at the May State Council meeting. The statement acknowledges the enormous contribution made by councils to progress work in this area and sets out how we will continue to provide leadership on this issue.

The statement also suggests strategies for councils to consider when undertaking preventing violence against women work.

Women in local government

We encourage greater participation of women in local government as councillors and senior managers in recognition of on-going under-representation of women in this field.

Find out more by visiting the women in local government section of our website.