Council Takes a Stand Against Family Violence

Published on 13 June 2017

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COUNCIL TAKES A STAND AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE
Media Release

Gannawarra Shire Council has made preventing family violence a key priority in its draft 2017-2021 Council Plan, that includes the mandated Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

The Royal Commission into Family Violence highlighted the role of local government in reducing family violence and responding to the needs of victims. Councils across Victoria are legislated to include proposed measures into their strategic plans and working towards reducing family violence across their communities over the next four years.

Mayor Brian Gibson said that Council is committed to working in partnership to address both attitudes and behaviours that contribute to family violence and to lead the way on promoting a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all.

“Council has responded to violence against women for many years through direct services such as Community Care and Maternal and Child Health,” said Mayor Gibson. “Unfortunately the statistics keep rising and the Royal Commission highlighted some major shortcomings with how as a society we prevent and respond to family violence.”

Mayor Gibson said that Gannawarra is seeing an increase in the statistics of family violence.

“Gannawarra has a higher rate of family incidents compared to Victoria, with 2466.5 incidents per 100,000 population compared to 1302.1 for Victoria for the period October 2015 to September 2016.

These statistics are alarming and Council is taking a stand and saying very clearly to our community that any form of violence is completely unacceptable.

Family violence is everyone’s responsibility and we need to involve everyone in the conversation if we are to turn the statistics around.”

Gannawarra Shire Council is working in partnership with Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police and the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership to address family violence across the Gannawarra Shire.

There are a number of initiatives that will be rolled out over the coming weeks including a screening of the film ‘Call Me Dad’ in Cohuna on July 5, promotion of the National Stop it at the Start campaign that targets disrespectful attitudes and behaviours, and renewing and relaunching the Dunny Door campaign 1800RESPECT.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Mallee Domestic Violence Service on 5033 1899.

For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website www.gsc.vic.gov.au

 

…ENDS…

Date: 13 June 2017

Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627

 

 

 

 

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