Jodie Belyea (Dunkley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Yesterday marked the start of the 16 days of activism and renewed our commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls. I want to acknowledge victims-survivors and honour those we have lost to family and domestic violence, including the 74 women taken from us this year.

Ending gender based violence is a core priority for this government. We have invested $4 billion to address violence against women. Yesterday, we announced an additional $40 million for 1800RESPECT, which has experienced an extraordinary 3,000 per cent increase in calls for help.

Family violence is an important issue for me and for the Dunkley community. Frankston continues to record some of the highest rates of family violence in the state and is home to agencies that support women, men, young people and children. I recognise the remarkable dedication of all these agencies and staff. To Anglicare, Family Life, Good Shepherd, OzChild, VACCA and the Salvation Army: thank you for your tireless work in our community.

I also want to acknowledge Big hART and Project O, who visited parliament on Monday to present the documentary It Starts With Us. The voices of Bailey and Xiao reinforce the need for prevention programs that help young people to find their voice, tell their stories and recover from domestic and family violence.

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