Domestic violence survivors in Victoria, Australia, can now report crimes and seek justice more easily under new $3.7 billion (US$2.6 billion) reforms .
Six years after the Royal Commission on Domestic Violence, state governments have implemented all 227 recommendations, including amendments to the 2008 Domestic Violence Protection Act.
A domestic violence court and the country’s first dedicated prevention agency, Respect Victoria, were established to make the process of survivors seeking justice safer and more efficient.
It also fundamentally changed the way the system responded to domestic violence, completing the rollout of the statewide Orange Door network.
Launched five years ago, the Orange Door Network has helped over 267,000 people, including over 107,000 children.
Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Ross Spence said the reform had been long overdue.
“We are building a violence-free Victoria,” said Spence.
“Through this effort, we are strengthening the nation-leading domestic violence system we have built by drawing attention to the attitudes and behaviors that lead to violence.
“Victoria owe a huge debt to their generosity in sharing their stories and experiences so that survivors of victims can continue to improve how they prevent and respond to violence in their families. ”
The Victorian government will create a comprehensive family violence system that addresses all Victorian needs, including a community-led, self-determining response to end family violence against Aboriginal people through the Dhelk Dja Agreement. It says it does.