The Andrews Labor Government has cut funding to one of Victoria’s most successful family violence prevention programs. The Speaking Out program provides training and ongoing support to women who have experienced family violence and/or sexual assault, enabling them to become advocates for change.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams confirmed to the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) hearings that ongoing government funding for the Speaking Out program would be cut from 30 June 2019.
The Speaking Out program currently supports 30 survivors of family violence or sexual assault to share their experiences with others and help educate the community on the role we can all play to end family violence.
In December 2018, Women’s Health East wrote to the Minister to seek an ongoing $150,000 annual commitment to continue the program.
Women’s Health East Chief Executive Office Kristine Olaris detailed to the Minister: “the ability of the Speaking Out Program to deliver on the activities of course relies on ongoing funding”.
Comments attributable from Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence - Emma Kealy
Daniel Andrews likes to talk tough when it comes to family violence, but secretly cuts critical funding to one of Victoria’s most successful prevention programs.
When the government chooses to splash $2 million on political advertising against the Federal Government, yet cuts family violence programs, you know Daniel Andrews’ priorities are completely wrong.