Thursday, 4 May 2023

Ministers statements: family violence

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Suburban Development) (14:20): I rise to update the house on the important work that the Andrews Labor government is undertaking in the prevention of family violence. We know that gendered violence remains the leading cause of death, disability and illness for women under 45. It is our leading law and order issue, with Victoria Police responding to a family violence incident on average every 7 minutes. We are leading the world in family violence reform, with more than $3.7 billion invested – more than every state and territory combined. There is no doubt that this huge investment is important, but we also know that to prevent violence against women, behaviours and attitudes need to change. We know this because the royal commission found that the attitudes of individuals and communities towards women are what enable violence to be excused, justified and condoned.

Last night I along with the shadow minister attended the heart-wrenching candlelight vigil for families of victims of family violence. We heard from families of those who have been killed as a result of family violence, including Boyd, whose daughter Katie was murdered at 29. Boyd reminded us that not all men use violence, but all men can be bystanders and call out inappropriate behaviours and attitudes. We know where violence against women has its origins, and sadly we know where it can end. We all can be and should be the bystanders that Boyd calls for and say no to the poor attitudes and behaviours towards women that can excuse, justify or condone violence towards women. We can all do our bit to prevent the loss of another Katie and save the grief of another Boyd. Prevention is not just about dollars; behaviours and attitudes matter.