Vicki Ward says sorry to Nationals MP Jade Benham after domestic violence debate

Victoria’s Family Violence Prevention Minister has been forced to apologise “for any offence caused” after being called out for her behaviour by a victim MP.

Nationals MP Jade Benham has spoken about her own near-death experience with domestic violence. Picture: David Geraghty

Victoria’s family violence prevention minister has been forced to apologise after snubbing a victim MP as she was reliving her abuse.

Vicki Ward on Wednesday walked out of the Victorian parliament’s lower house while Nationals MP Jade Benham was speaking up about her own near-death experience with domestic violence.

Ms Ward had been speaking on a government bill promoting equal funding across genders when she took aim at opposition MPs, who had been interjecting during her commentary.

“For those opposite, who barely come to an election with a family violence policy and who are barely able to articulate the ins and outs of family violence, to come into this place and lecture us and tell us that we are cutting when we are not is absolutely shameful and is disrespectful,” she said in parliament.

Family Violence Prevention Minister Vicki Ward is under fire over her comments. Picture: Nicki Connolly

When Ms Benham – who was nearly killed by a violent ex boyfriend – then rose to her feet to speak about her own experience, Ms Ward walked out of the chamber.

Ms Benham was left in tears after the insult.

Hours later, Ms Benham returned to the chamber to seek an “unreserved apology” from Ms Ward.

“In the last couple of weeks, I have found my voice, I have been very public with my experience, giving voice to those who have not had a voice” she said. “For the minister to not be able to look me in the eye and also walk out of the chamber whilst I was responding, I find personally offensive.”

Ms Ward had already left the chamber when Ms Benham requested the apology.

But late on Wednesday night, after media had put questions to the government about the incident, Ms Ward apologised “for any offence caused”.

“The Member for Mildura is to be commended for coming forward with her story; her story is important as it continues to highlight that family violence can happen to anyone. For this she absolutely has my respect,” she said in a statement.

“I meet with victim survivors regularly … I well understand how challenging, difficult and upsetting discussions about family violence can be including policy debates such as we heard today.”

Nationals leader Peter Walsh said Ms Ward’s comments needed to be called out.

“The Minister should know better given the portfolio she holds,” he said.

Earlier this month, Ms Benham sat down with the Herald Sun to detail her five-year ordeal with family violence.

She recalled the chilling night her ex nearly strangled her to death when she was just 22 years old.