Relationship educators will collaborate with schools throughout New South Wales (NSW). The NSW government has introduced a new strategy to address family violence by targeting its underlying causes. This innovative approach involves mobilizing childcare centers, workplaces, and sports clubs to actively prevent violence and establish safer environments for women and children.
Set to launch on Sept. 13, a significant aspect of this initiative includes respectful relationship educators partnering with schools across the state to deliver age-appropriate, evidence-based education on cultivating healthy relationships. Furthermore, an $8.8 million initiative will expand the current early childhood “all-in” pilot program, empowering childcare workers and families to challenge gender stereotypes that contribute to gender-based violence.
NSW Education Minister Prue Car underscored the significance of early education in shaping future behaviors, stating, “Teaching young people about resilience, respect, and safety in relationships during their formative years has a profound impact on who they become.”
The inaugural Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence report disclosed that 43 women were murdered by their partners in the financial year leading up to June 30. Premier Chris Minns emphasized the urgency of the state’s primary prevention strategy, which aims to prevent lives from being shattered by violence.
Developed in collaboration with over 200 individuals and organizations, including Domestic Violence NSW, Aboriginal representatives, and Our Watch, this strategy represents a critical step towards preventing violence before it occurs. The National Cabinet recently announced a $4.7 billion package over the next five years to combat domestic violence across Australia, with the federal government committing $351 million matched by state and territory counterparts.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed the necessity of a nationally coordinated approach to address this pressing national crisis, stating, “These horrific and disturbing deaths and vile violence must be prevented.” The NSW Government has also dedicated $230 million over four years as part of an emergency package to enhance support for domestic, family, and sexual violence victim-survivors, as well as expand programs aimed at reducing violence against women and children.
Several high-profile domestic violence incidents, including a well-publicized stabbing in Bondi Junction, have brought increased attention to this issue in the last six months. Overall, these concerted efforts aim to create a safer and more resilient community for all individuals affected by domestic, family, and sexual violence.
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