The Liberal Government’s Safe Homes, Safe Families: Tasmania’s Family Violence Action Plan 2015-2020 will see the State take a lead role in supporting a range of national initiatives to address family violence.

Premier Will Hodgman said the action plan, launched today, includes funding for a national campaign to reduce violence against women and their children.

“This is about changing community attitudes about gender equality and violence to support long-term change, because everyone has a right to live their life free from violence,” Mr Hodgman said.

“The Tasmanian Government will provide $330,000 to support the Council of Australian Governments’ $30 million initiative, with the states and territories working together with the Commonwealth.”

The Minister for Women, Jacquie Petrusma, said in a similar vein the Government was committed to getting on-board the national Our Watch initiative.

“Our Watch is focused on national sporting codes, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and secondary school students to build healthy relationship skills,” Mrs Petrusma said.

“We were very pleased to commit $88,000 in the State Budget to joining Our Watch, and we are already working with the organisation on the delivery of The Line, a primary prevention social marketing campaign targeting 12-20-year-olds.

“As a member of Our Watch, Tasmania will have access to more resources and awareness-raising opportunities into the future.”

Mr Hodgman said the Government would also show leadership in rolling out the White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation Program across all agencies.

“The program supports employees experiencing family violence and provides tools for employees to recognise and response to family violence,” he said.

“We hope that this will not only help those employed in the public service who have experienced family violence, but will also encourage other Tasmanian organisations to participate in the program to support their employees.

“After all, this issue affects people from all walks of life, and wherever Tasmanians work, they are all part of our community.”

Safe Homes, Safe Families: Tasmania’s Family Violence Action Plan 2015-2020 is available online at www.dpac.tas.gov.au/safehomessafefamilies

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence or sexual assault, call the Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line on 1800 633 937 or visit www.1800respect.org.au In an emergency, call 000.
Will Hodgman, Premier Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Women