Royal Commission into Family Violence a step in the right direction

By DAVID JEANS, Jan 20, 2015

BALLARAT family violence agencies have called for increased funding after the release of the royal commission terms of reference on Monday, which could see harsher penalties for perpetrators.

Premier Daniel Andrews released some of the terms of reference for the promised royal commission, which will focus on policy improvements to the current approach to family violence across all levels of government and society.

Child and Family Services family violence intervention program co-ordinator Bob Maika said the royal commission had to focus on prevention and increased funding.

"For me it is about looking at all areas of family violence - not only men's behaviour change, but also working at the preventative end," he said. "That's an area that could certainly do with a boost.

"It's such a huge area that every part of the sector will be calling for more funding and better resourcing."

WRISC executive officer Libby Jewson said her organisation welcomed the Royal Commission in Family Violence.

"(We) support the concept ... and the broad view behind the royal commission," she said.


Mr Andrews said the government would implement all the recommendations of the royal commission.

"We need a system that protects the vulnerable, punishes the guilty and saves lives. The royal commission will give us the answers we need and nothing will be off limits," Mr Andrews said.

In 2013, there were 44 family violence-related deaths in Victoria and the estimated cost to the state's economy was $3.4 billion in 2009.

In 2013-14 there were more than 65,000 cases of family incidents reported to Victoria Police.

Broadly, the terms of reference, which are still to be signed off on by the governor, task the commission with finding the most effective ways to:

prevent family violence;

• improve early intervention;

• protect those at risk;

• support victims;

• make perpetrators more accountable.


The Age
david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au

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