Fresh push to tackle sexual violence in vulnerable group

There’s been a fresh push to address violence among a vulnerable group, with about half of the community experiencing sexual violence.

More than $150,000 in funding has been announced to tackle sexual violence in LGBTIQA+ communities.

The federal government has invested $154,000 in funding for a national roundtable for specialists working in LGBTIQA+ family, domestic and sexual violence services.

A peer support pilot program for LGBTIQA+ people with disabilities who are experiencing isolation has also been extended after demand proved to be higher than anticipated.

It comes as half of all respondents to a La Trobe University Private Lives 3 survey said they’d experienced sexual assault.

The pilot will continue to run alongside two other LGBTIQA+ sexual violence and sexual harassment prevention pilot programs.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said more needed to be done to support the community, and the government remained committed to preventing family, domestic and sexual violence under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-23.

“We know that LGBTIQA+ community members can be at a higher risk of experiencing family, domestic, and sexual violence,” she said.

“Also LGBTIQA+ people may face additional barriers in identifying and reporting the violence they have experienced as well as getting appropriate support.”

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said more needed to be done to support the LGBTIQA+ community. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The roundtable is set to be hosted by LGBTIQ+ Health Australia later this year.

Specialists will work to understand the systemic gaps that affect quality service provision so community members are able to access better direct supports.

The roundtable would be informed by the outcomes of a survey into LGBTIQA+ people’s experiences of sexual violence and harassment, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot said.

“The survey outcomes will provide vital and detailed data about the prevalence, norms, attitudes, and practices relating to sexual violence prevention for people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity,” she said.

“Importantly, it will also deepen the evidence base for primary prevention activities in LGBTIQA+ communities and help inform the establishment of a unified approach to research, advocacy, policy, education, awareness raising and capability building.”

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot announced the funding on Friday. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Ms Elliot said the roundtable would be informed by the outcomes of a survey into LGBTIQA+ people’s experiences of sexual violence and harassment. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Ms Rishworth last week said the safety of women and children experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence was a “national priority” for the government amid a string of rallies against male violence.

“We will continue to deliver activities that support the action plans under the national plan – including looking at where we may need new activities to achieve our goal under the plan, particularly in relation to new and emerging risks like online extreme misogyny,” she said.

She added the government allocated more than $3.4bn for women’s safety across three budgets and convened a dedicated national cabinet earlier this year.

“Family and domestic violence destroys lives – it must end,” she said.

“There is more to do to achieve our shared goal with states and territories to end violence against women and children in one generation.

“We all have a role to play in ending violence against women – governments, community members, businesses, social media companies and individuals.”