Vic Government directs extra funding to La Trobe Uni to prevent LGBTQI family violence

A new program is being developed by La Trobe University’s Rainbow Health Victoria service to help in the prevention of family violence against people from LGBTQI communities, thanks to a funding boost from the Victorian Government.

Victorian Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams recently announced the $95,000 funding boost, which the La Trobe service will use to develop a vital family violence prevention training program specifically aimed at supporting LGBTQI Victorians.

The program is in addition to the $600,000 LGBTIQ Family Violence Primary Prevention Project, which is a two-year pilot project run by Rainbow Health Victoria, aimed at addressing the critical gaps in LGBTIQ family violence prevention and strengthening the workforce capacity in this area.

Those in the ECEC community who identify as LGBTQI will likely follow the development of the program with interest, as well as those who serve children, families and communities with an interest in supporting LGBTQI members.

A guide, Rainbow Health Victoria’s Pride in Prevention: A guide to primary prevention of family violence experienced by LGBTIQ communities was launched at the same time as the funding announcement, with the aim of helping practitioners and policy makers further develop programs and activities to address violence against people from LGBTQI communities.

The new guide breaks down national and international evidence on the prevalence, nature and drivers of family violence experienced by people from LGBTQI communities and identifies priority actions.

“LGBTQI Victorians need responsive and inclusive family violence services and, despite our progress, we know they still experience stigma and marginalisation – that’s why programs like this are so important” Ms Williams said.

To access the Guide,  please see here. For more information about supporting LGBTQI families in ECEC settings, please see here.