The Victorian Government is boosting Aboriginal-led family violence prevention and responses so that more Aboriginal Victorians can access culturally sensitive support when and where they need it.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams today announced $18.2 million will be made available to Aboriginal organisations and community groups through the Dhelk Dja Family Violence Fund.

It will provide culturally appropriate responses for both victim survivors and those using or at risk of using violence in the home, including emergency support, family counselling and behaviour change support.

Organisations and community groups will be granted funding over two years, giving them more certainty in planning how they deliver family violence services that are tailored to the needs of their communities.

 The fund has been launched under the Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way – Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families 10 Year Agreement and will build on the Government’s commitment to embed self-determination in Victoria’s family violence service system.

It is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to support the vital work of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations that deliver culturally safe support for Aboriginal communities across a broad range of areas, including support during the coronavirus pandemic.

Culturally appropriate support is available through:

•    Djirra (counselling support for those experiencing family violence) during business hours on 1800 105 303
•    Yarning SafeNStrong (24/7 crisis helpline for people who need to speak with someone about their wellbeing) on 1800 959 563
•    Dardi Munwurro’s Brother to Brother (24/7 Aboriginal Men’s Referral Crisis Line) on 1800 435 799.

For more information on the Dhelk Dja Family Violence Fund or to apply, visit tenders.vic.gov.au.