The NSW and Commonwealth Governments have announced $10.5 million in funding for projects to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual violence, including within the refugee community. Source: Freepik
The New South Wales and Federal Governments have announced $10.5 million in grants to prevent and respond to sexual violence through the Sexual Violence Project Fund grants program.
NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison announced early this week that 14 projects have each received between $100,000 and $1.5 million.
“Sexual violence has a devastating impact on victim-survivors and those around them. Early intervention is critical to reducing the prevalence of sexual violence and improving responses,” said Harrison.
“These grants will fund intervention initiatives that support specific groups at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence, including women and children, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ people, older women and people with disability.”
The aim is that the grants will result in better access to supports and services for survivors, leading to a trauma-informed and inclusive response.
According to the NSW Government, one in three women over 15 years old have experienced physical violence, and one in six have experienced sexual violence. A 2021 Monash University study also indicates that one in three migrant and refugee women have experienced a form of family and domestic violence.
“Sexual violence does not discriminate. It targets victims of all colours and faiths, from all backgrounds and socio-economic group,” said Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth.
“The Commonwealth is committed to doing everything it can to stop sexual violence, and to better support victim-survivors to ensure improved outcomes.
“We are working in partnership with the NSW Government, as well as other states and territories and community organisations, to end the cycle of violence and provide additional on the ground support.”
Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan said that the projects funded through the Sexual Violence Project Fund will support the delivery of trauma-informed initiatives that have been co-designed with victim-survivors to provide a more inclusive response to sexual violence.
“As an organisation, we want to see an end not just to sexual violence but also the systemic violence that re-traumatises victim-survivors navigating their own personal road to recovery,” said Donovan.
“Sexual violence is pervasive and insidious, demanding a holistic and accessible response. Every victim-survivor’s story is unique, and our systems of support must be equipped to listen and accommodate that.”
CEO of the Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) Jorge Aroche also noted the importance of programs to support refugee victim-survivors.
“Dislocation and displacement are synonymous with the refugee experience because of this, women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, our job is to create culturally acceptable supports that resonate,” said Aroche.
The full media release can be read here.
