Preventing Violence Against LGBTIQA+ Communities

Rainbow Health Australia, a program of La Trobe’s Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), will deliver the $2.1 million commitment.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Melissa Horne today announced the funding today.

The investment comes at a critical time for Victorian LGBTIQA+ communities, which have been facing increasing instances of violence and vilification. Rates of family and gender-based violence against LGBTIQA+ people in Victoria are likely under-reported due to barriers to reporting, including discrimination and stigma.

Rainbow Health Australia will partner with specialised LGBTIQA+ organisations, including the Zoe Belle Gender Collective, Thorne Harbour Health, Switchboard Victoria and Proud 2 Play, and one mainstream partner, Safe and Equal. The partnership will deliver projects across a range of areas including media, male-dominated workplaces, sport, community organisations and health services.

Each organisation will bring its own expertise and work with the broader community to support all Victorians to create environments that are safe and inclusive for LGBTIQA+ people.

Rainbow Health Australia Program Lead Jami Jones said organisations could create powerful change for LGBTIQA+ people through working together.

“This partnership draws on the unique strengths of LGBTIQA+ community-led organisations and prevention of violence organisations.

“Together we are progressing our shared vision for a future where all people can enjoy respectful and healthy relationships, families and communities, and be celebrated for who they are.”

The Zoe Belle Gender Collective will deliver specialised prevention campaigns to build community capacity to intervene in instances of transphobia and homophobia.

Thorne Harbour Health will work with unions in male-dominated industries to improve understanding of the im-pacts of gender-based violence. They will also deliver a prevention project in the Latrobe Valley, working with local organisations and regional sporting bodies.

Proud 2 Play will work with more than 40 sports clubs across regional Victoria to ensure they are inclusive and safe for LGBTIQA+ communities.

Switchboard Victoria will develop a podcast mini-series exploring the drivers and impacts of family violence on LGBTIQA+ young people and resources for families on positive parenting of LGBTIQA+ young people.

Safe and Equal will support staff in LGBTIQA+ organisations to design and lead primary prevention initiatives and activities.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Melissa Horne said: “No one should live in fear because of who they are or who they love”.

“We’re supporting these organisations to continue delivering important programs that prevent violence and build a safer Victoria.”

Minister for Equality Vicki Ward said: “Victoria is the Equality State. We stand with LGBTIQA+ communities across Victoria; backing them in building safe spaces, preventing harm, and fostering a culture where everyone truly belongs and feels respected and equal.”