Domestic violence prevention programs will get a $328 million funding boost from the federal government as part of an ongoing national strategy to curb violence toward women.
The package includes $82 million for frontline services, $68 million for prevention strategies and $78 million for safe places for family violence victims.
“This is about changing attitudes to violence, and helping those who think violence is an option, to stop,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Tuesday.
“To stop violence against women, we need to counter the culture of disrespect towards women,” he said.
“A culture of disrespect towards women is a precursor to violence, and anyone who doesn’t see that is kidding themselves.”
The national sexual assault and domestic violence phone counselling service will get $62 million, while $35 million will go towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The funding will also help develop prevention initiatives in culturally and linguistically diverse communities and for people with disability.
Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer says one in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner since the age of 15.
“This figure increases to nearly one in four women when violence by boyfriends, girlfriends and dates is included,” she said.
“The safety of women and children is vitally important. Our government has zero tolerance for violence against women and children.”
Labor has recently pledged $60 million to create about 20,000 funding packages for people fleeing domestic violence, if they are elected to government.