The Andrews Labor Government is supporting multicultural and faith communities to find tailored, culturally appropriate ways to prevent family violence.

Acting Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Ingrid Stitt today announced the opening of the Supporting Multicultural and Faith Communities to Prevent Family Violence: 2021 Grant Program.

Two grant streams are available through the program, which will provide eligible organisations with three-year funding until 30 June 2024:

• Up to $200,000 per annum for organisations with established experience to deliver prevention activity at a state-wide, regional and/or local level
• Up to $100,000 per annum for organisations with new or limited experience to deliver prevention activity at a local level and/or build their organisational capacity.

Organisations are encouraged to propose activities that address the gendered drivers of violence – such as challenging gender stereotypes and roles, and strengthening positive, equal and respectful relationships.

Activities could include community awareness and mobilisation, online engagement, peer education, and connecting communities and specialist services.

The program will support the Labor Government’s work to create a society where all people are equal and live free from violence.

The Labor Government has invested more than $3 billion in combatting family violence – more than every other government in Australia combined – including the $14 million four-year package in 2017 to support multicultural and faith communities to prevent family violence in a wide range of settings

Applications close Wednesday 21 April. For more information go to vic.gov.au/dffh/prevent-family-violence-2021-grant-program, contact prevention.grants@dffh.vic.gov.au or call the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing at (03) 9595 2490.