Council committed to preventing family violence

Published on 03 December 2020

Frankston City Council is committed to promoting gender equity, respectful relationships and preventing family violence.

North-West Ward Cr Steven Hughes said family violence includes violent or threatening behaviour that coerces or controls a family member or causes that family member to be fearful. This includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse.

“As the level of government closest to the community, Council recognises its role in coordinating initiatives tailored to preventing family violence in the local community.

“Council adopted a Family Violence Action Plan late last year and several important initiatives are, for the first time, funded for delivery in Council’s 2020/21 annual budget,” Cr Hughes said.

Cr Hughes said some of the key initiatives adopted as part of the plan included:

A Men as Role Models volunteer program commencing with a forum.
A co-designed upgrade of the ‘Choose Respect’ app for young people, including suitability for LGBTI.
Enhancing access to legal support for people experiencing the impact of family violence; and
A promotional campaign to encourage discourage disrespectful relationships and avenues of support for those in Frankston seeking help.

North-West Ward Cr Sue Baker added: “Council has a key focus on prevention and early referral support.”

Evidence shows violence has been found to be more damaging to the health of Victorian women aged 12 to 44 years than any other well-known risk factor, including high blood pressure, obesity and smoking.

Prevention approaches support improved outcomes in health, safety, education and employment and can also reduce the likelihood of later substance misuse, mental illness and suicide, domestic violence including child abuse, antisocial behaviour and crime.

“Doing more to assist people to adopt respectful relationships and reach their full potential increases their contribution to the community, the economy and reduces the impact on the community’s scarce resources,” Cr Baker said.

Cr Baker said the Council was also proud to participate in and support the 16 Days of Activism campaign to raise awareness and make a stand against gender-based violence.

The Council will host a the online vocal workshop ‘Free Your Voice’ at Frankston Arts Centre as part of 16DoA on Thursday 10 December (International Human Rights Day) from 6pm–7.15pm, via Zoom, suitable for ages 16 and over. Bookings essential via email artsaccess@frankston.vic.gov.au

For more details, phone 9784 1896.

This free workshop will help participants to build confidence and embrace using their voice. Participants will discover practical tools and exercises to free their voice and speak with confidence in any situation.

For more information about 16DoA, please visit https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/16-days-activism-2020

Support Services

If you, a child, or another person is in immediate danger call 000.

Safe Steps

https://www.asksomeone.org.au/

Phone: 1800 015 188 (24 hours 7 days per week).

WAYSS

https://www.wayss.org.au/

Phone: 9781 4658

SECASA

https://www.secasa.org.au/

Phone: 9594 2289