By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON Shire Council is taking a stand against domestic violence and hopes the State Government will follow.
At a meeting earlier this month the council endorsed a submission to the government’s action plan addressing violence against women and children.
The submission emphasised the importance of linking community agencies with victims of abuse and the need for prevention activities to be connected to the Early Childhood and Victoria Police agendas.
The report also highlighted the high rates of family violence across Melbourne’s West with a lack of adequate community service providers available to respond to incidents. According to the proposal a large proportion of residents are disadvantaged by a shortage of suitable transport and therefore cannot access suitable services across Melbourne.
The council called for an increase in police numbers and the induction of a family violence unit located in the area.
Mayor Justin Mammarella said Melton Shire was committed to raising awareness about child abuse and family violence prevention.
“As a community, we need to send the message that violence against anyone won’t be tolerated,” Mr Mammarella said.
He said the council had demonstrated its commitment through the appointment of a community well-being officer, the establishment of the Melton Family Violence Network and through initiatives like ‘Melton Says No’ and the Zero Tolerance Against Child Abuse campaign.
Council will also host a child abuse and family violence prevention forum later in the year, providing residents with an opportunity to consult service providers and stakeholders about the development of a Family Violence Prevention Strategy and consult experts in the field of violence prevention and form partnerships for action.
