Statement on the Victorian Government’s election commitments

Safe and Equal welcomes the Victorian Government’s election commitment for family violence support services and early intervention, recognising the importance of a well-resourced specialist sector and ensuring victim survivors can access support before violence escalates to crisis. 

We welcome the $15.5 million investment in family violence support workers and The Orange Door, a vital boost that will extend access and support to an additional 10,000 clients. Building on this positive step, continuing to expand capacity across the broader specialist family violence system will ensure that growing demand at entry points is fully matched by ongoing, tailored case management. 

Sustained investment across all specialised services will allow us to deliver seamless, comprehensive care for every person reaching out for help. The $16 million over four years for early intervention is also a welcome recognition that preventing family violence requires action well before people reach crisis point, including better coordination across health, community and social services. To maximise the impact of this initiative, sustained investment in specialist family violence services must remain central to ongoing sector funding. 

We also acknowledge the Government’s commitments around restrictions on smart glasses in certain settings and measures to address the use of online dating platforms by people convicted of family or sexual violence offences. As technology and online environments create new and emerging avenues for abuse and harm, it is important that these risks are recognised and addressed. These commitments send an important signal that safety must be considered across all spaces where people live, work, connect and seek support. 

As the peak body for specialist family violence organisations specialising in prevention, early intervention, response and recovery in Victoria, Safe and Equal has consistently advocated for sustained investment, stronger system coordination and a greater focus on early intervention. We look forward to working constructively with the Government to ensure these commitments are implemented in genuine partnership with the specialist family violence sector and informed by the lived experience of victim survivors. 

Enhanced frontline support and early intervention build directly on existing commitments – including four-year funding cycles, a new 10-year strategy and protected Royal Commission services. Together, they reflect an expanding policy framework for family violence in Victoria. Victim survivors deserve a comprehensive vision – and the sustained support to deliver it. 

More information on the Victorian Government’s announcement can be found here.

 

About Safe and Equal: standing strong against family violence 

Safe and Equal is the peak body for Victorian organisations specialising in family and gender-based violence across prevention, early intervention, response and recovery. Our vision is a world where everyone is safe, respected and thriving, living free from family and gender-based violence.  

 

Media contact  

media@safeandequal.org.au