The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has today released three reports on the impact of family violence on the local community and how the system responds to this serious issue.
The ACT Government welcomes the recommendations contained within the reports which contribute towards a whole of government and service provider response to prevent family violence.
The Government has announced that it will deliver a comprehensive whole-of-government family violence package in the 2016-17 Budget to ‘ensure as a community we keep our families safe’.
Family violence is a national issue and governments across the country are united in their commitment to change. The ACT Government has made significant investments to address family violence and now has a clear direction for local change as a result of these reports. Support for the National Campaign on Violence Against Women and Children has already resulted in strengthened laws to better protect vulnerable domestic violence victims.
Attorney-General Simon Corbell said, “These reports are detailed and raise complex issues so it is appropriate for the ACT Government to consider these reports together, rather than each in isolation, so that we can have a holistic response to the issues that they raise.”
“The reports all examine critical aspects of the ACT Government’s family violence service system and the best approach for change to meet the needs of victims and their families while holding perpetrators to account.
“A common theme is a need for greater information sharing and a more collaborative response to family violence, so the Government will address these reports together, not in isolation, to ensure action is taken early.
“We must keep Canberra families safe, it is our community responsibility. The ACT Government will continue to work in partnership with the community to help bring about change for those experiencing family violence and ensure the right services are available.”
The reports are available online at: www.cmd.act.gov.au/functions/publications
