SMPCP Executive Officer, Terry Lazzarotto welcomed the release of the Summary and Recommendations of the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence.
The current work of the PCP is reflected in the report findings and the Partnership is well positioned to support the government’s efforts to address this important community issue. Among the 227 recommendations within the report, particular note was made of the need for more work to be done in the areas of prevention and training and workforce development for general health workers.
The SMPCP Family Violence Working Group have already been strategically addressing training for all key workers within our catchment and this program will continue throughout the year. Our Equal, Safe and Strong program has just commenced and offers respectful relationships education in secondary schools. As the Commission report notes "Failure to give priority to prevention risks condemning future generations to the plight of today's victims of family violence." Our continued focus on prevention aims to ensure this will not be the case.
The report also noted stronger obligations for local councils in reporting and acting on the measures that they take to reduce family violence and respond to victims. SMPCP will continue to provide support to all local government partners with their planning and reporting.
