Workers in the family violence prevention and disability sectors will be better equipped with the skills to prevent violence against women with disabilities thanks to a funding boost to Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV).
The Andrews Labor Government will invest $1.8 million to support the expanded delivery of its Gender and Disability Workforce Development Program, which gives workers the skills to prevent violence against women with disabilities.
Since it began in 2017, the program has offered training and professional development to more than 900 participants from disability, social services, local government, prevention and carer workforces.
WDV has worked with 12 women with disabilities in paid employment as specialist disability-inclusion consultants to a range of organisations and has facilitated a statewide Community of Practice for prevention.
WDV also partnered with Our Watch to produce an innovative, evidence-based resource titled Changing the Landscape, to guide the prevention of violence against women and girls with disabilities.
Women with Disabilities Victoria is the only women-focused, human rights-based disability organisation in the state.
Victoria is leading the nation with its work to end family violence, with more than $3.7 billion invested since the Royal Commission into Family Violence – more than every other state and territory combined.
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Ros Spence
“The Government is building an inclusive family violence system that responds to the needs of all Victorians.”
“Women with disabilities disproportionately experience family violence compared with the rest of the community so it’s critical that we support prevention work where it is needed most.”
As stated by Women with Disabilities Victoria Chief Executive Officer Nadia Mattiazzo
“I’m very excited to know that Women with Disabilities Victoria will be receiving this funding to continue this vital work.”
“It is indeed very heartening to know that the Victorian Government and Minister Spence see the immense value of the work which WDV is doing in this space.”
