Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing MP has urged individuals, groups and communities to continue with the difficult but necessary conversations about family violence that are taking place around Gippsland.

The Andrews Government has committed $81.3 million for wide-ranging initiatives to address family violence and its effects, including the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Following intensive community consultation all over Victoria in May, a huge number of formal submissions have been made to the Royal Commission, many from individuals and organisations with direct experience of family violence in Gippsland.

At the same time that the Royal Commission is preparing for public hearings, momentum for positive change in Gippsland is continuing to build through community gatherings and events, local government initiatives and training programs.

Workplaces, sporting and social clubs around Gippsland are driving positive change at a local level, to encourage people to stand up against family violence, to give support to victims and survivors, and to provide positive and respectful role-modelling.

Footballers and netballers will sport orange armbands when the TRFM Gippsland League stands up to violence against women and children on July 25. A joint-initiative between Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault (GCASA), Gippsland Women’s Health (GWH), GippSport, AFL Gippsland and TRFM Gippsland League, “Orange Round” aims to raise awareness of the issue and drive meaningful change in societal attitudes and behaviours.

For emergency support or assistance, call Police or Ambulance on 000

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing MP

“Family violence casts long shadows in families, workplaces and communities all over Victoria, but the crucial work is underway to improve our response to family violence and take practical steps to stop and prevent it.”

“Family violence can happen to anyone, but overwhelmingly it is women and children who are the victims, and not always the survivors, of this harm.”

“By improving gender equality, education, respect for women, frontline responses and resources we can all contribute to the prevention of family violence.”