Family violence victims, peak bodies to rally at state parliament ahead of election

FAMILY violence victims and peak bodies are set to rally at state parliament ahead of November’s election, seeking formal commitments from Labor, the Coalition and the Greens.

FAMILY violence victims and peak bodies will rally at state parliament on Monday to call for political support ahead of November’s election.

Domestic Violence Victoria, No To Violence, Gender Equity Victoria and CASA Forum want formal commitments from Labor, the Coalition and the Greens that they will fully fund and implement the family violence royal commission’s recommendations.

Domestic Violence Victoria chief executive Fiona McCormack said fighting family violence needed to be government’s “core business”.

“There is a big risk that people might see that the job of tackling family violence as done and dusted,” she said.

“The reality is that because this has been a neglected issue for so long it is going to take time.

“We know what needs to be done and we know how to do it but it won’t happen overnight.

“We can’t drop the ball and need all political parties to stick to the plan.”

Domestic Violence Victoria chief executive Fiona McCormack. Picture: supplied

Ahead of the 2014 election, Labor promised the royal commission and has implemented 90 of its recommendations, with the remaining 137 underway. It has also spent a record $2.6 billion on family violence issues.

Asked directly whether it supported the commission’s recommendations, the state opposition said it would “have an absolute focus on the urgent recommendations of safe, emergency accommodation and support for victims.”

These include new police powers to issue on-the-spot family violence safety notices, jail terms of up to 10 years for non-fatal choking or strangulation and a family violence disclosure scheme that reveals a current or former partner’s history of violent criminal behaviour.

Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council member Liana Papoutsis said family violence, including physical, emotional and financial abuse, made her life a “hellhole”.

She said governments needed to continue funding family violence support and prevention, with current services “stretched” as more women came forward.

“We need a united front to say that family violence will not be tolerated in this state,” Ms Papoutsis said.

“I’ve had to accept that we won’t be able to eradicate family violence in my lifetime but it can happen into the future if we keep working.”

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@moniquehore