, Australia’s largest peak body delivering safe and effective interventions for men using family violence, has welcomed the announcement of a $2.4 million funding boost by the Federal Government to South Australia’s frontline family violence services.
No to Violence Chief Executive Officer Jacqui Watt described the funding boost as a win for the South Australian sector, which will be used in part to fund provide a dedicated 24/7 men’s domestic violence hotline and support services in South Australia.
“This will enable us to work closely with South Australian organisations, and draw upon the knowledge of our members in every state and territory to add value to their specialist family violence response. This is especially important now, with the expected increase in demand for family violence services due to COVID-19” Ms Watt said.
“It now means the Men’s Referral Service operates in four states: Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia. So if you know a man using violence, or staying at home is taking its toll on your relationship, there are people who can talk to you during these difficult times. Call the Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) and talk our experts.
“Our expertise in challenging the beliefs, attitudes, behaviour and choices of men who use violence has enabled us to develop standards, programs and training that have been adopted around the world.
“Family violence begins and ends with the people who use violence. Through this increased funding, we work with men so they can get help earlier if they are willing to ask for it and that home is a safer place for women and children.”
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, Hon Anne Ruston MP, said the funding boost to South Australia formed part of the Federal Government’s $150 million response package towards supporting Australians experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence due to the fallout from coronavirus.
No to Violence has experienced an overall increase and marked spikes in calls to its Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) during the COVID-19 outbreak.
