The Victorian Greens calling for the Victorian State Government to urgently fund frontline services and to mandate domestic violence, family and sexual violence education for year 10-12 students.
Our hearts break for the family and friends of 13 year-old Layla Jeffery who was last seen in Donald on July 4.
Today there are reports that a 16 year-old boy has been charged with her murder.
The Greens say that the time for talking is well and truly over. Four women have been killed at the hands of male violence in July alone. We need action.
As stated by the Victorian Greens spokesperson for gendered violence prevention, Anasina Gray-Barberio:
“My heart is broken for thirteen year old Layla Jeffery who had her whole life ahead of her.
“We cannot stop speaking about the gendered violence epidemic in this country. We cannot stop speaking the names of the women and girls who are being killed at the hands of male violence. But talking is not enough. We need action. For every victim and their families, we owe them so much more than words.
“We see governments in this country talk about gendered violence while continuing to underfund frontline services, prevention, early intervention and housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
“Enough is enough. Our frontline services are crying out for the funding they need. We also desperately need to mandate domestic, family and sexual violence education for years 10-12 students.
“Too many women are dying at the hands of male violence. Our young boys and men aren’t born bad, and we’re also failing them by not providing the support and education to prevent violence in the first place.”
