By ANEEKA SIMONIS
DOZENS of women are expected to die at the hands of their partners before the Royal Commission into Family Violence releases findings that determine the funding fate of a vital south-east prevention initiative.
The Challenge Family Violence prevention project, which trains male leaders to educate other men about domestic violence in Cardinia Shire, the City of Casey and the Greater City of Dandenong, will run out of funds in November this year.
The State Government said future funding for the project would be considered as part of the Royal Commission into Family Violence completed in February next year.
However, Bass MP Brian Paynter condemned the decision, citing grave fears for victims, principally women, who will statistically die before a funding recommitment is considered.
“We cannot wait until the findings of the Royal Commission into Family Violence are released. Approximately 36 women across Australia – 36 women – will lose their lives between now and when the commission releases its report in February 2016,” he said in parliament.
Cardinia Shire has the third highest reported incidence of family violence in the Southern Metro Region for 2013-’14.
Of these, 45 per cent were serious enough to result in charges being laid.
Almost one intervention order or notice is being issued to offenders daily across the shire, with children being present at a significant number of violent incidents.
“I am asking the Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence to renew the funding for the Challenge Family Violence Program,” he said in parliament.
“It makes no sense to be slashing funding to male-led initiatives such as Challenge Family Violence project at a time when the problem is getting worse.
He vowed to continue campaigning the government for ongoing funding support until the commission findings are released early next year.
“I will not remain silent on the issue of family violence and men’s violence against women,” he said.
The Challenge Family Violence prevention program was funded over three years by the Department of Justice and Regulation.
The State Government has proposed tough new legislation on family violence to protect women from abuse in their own homes.
The government wants the Royal Commission into Family Violence to recommend a dangerous partners’ register.
In the submission to the commission, the government identified 10 key gaps that needed to be overcome to address family violence, including weak legal consequences for perpetrators and under-investments in support services.
