The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working in partnership to bolster and improve services for members of the LGBTIQA+ community who experience gendered violence.
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, and NSW Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, today visited the AIDS Council of NSW (ACON) in Sydney, who are receiving $2.47 million under the National Partnership on Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-27.
This includes $1.016 million for the LGBTQ+ Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Program, and $485,000 under the NSW Sexual Violence Project Fund grant for its project ‘LGBTQ+ inclusivity in sexual violence response service provision: ACON consult support’.
The NSW Government, with support from the Commonwealth Government, provided $10.5 million towards the Sexual Violence Project Fund for one-off and time-limited early intervention and response projects that address sexual violence in high priority groups and settings.
As an organisation dedicated to assisting members of the LGBTIQA+ community, ACON have also received funding to recruit specialist domestic and family violence workers and will receive a total of $970,069.
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister Justine Elliot:
“We want to ensure all members of our community, no matter their cultural background, race, or sexuality, who have experienced family, domestic, and sexual violence are supported through projects like the Fund and the LGBTQ+ Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Program.
“This is why investment in initiatives that prioritise early intervention and response to sexual violence is so vital.
“As we enter Sydney’s 46th Mardi Gras, we celebrate the LGBTIQA+ community for its diversity and determination to be heard, but we must also acknowledge those within the community who have experienced violence in silence and advocate for them too.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister Jodie Harrison:
“Domestic, family and sexual violence has a devastating impact on victim-survivors and those around them.
“The NSW Government is working hand in hand with the Federal Government to address domestic, family and sexual violence through the National Partnership Agreement, to deliver on actions under the NSW Sexual Violence Plan.
“ACON’s important work in supporting the LGBTQ+ people who have experienced sexual violence is a critical part of that, ensuring victim-survivors have access to holistic, trauma-informed and accessible support.”
For more information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022‑2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.
For more information on the NSW Sexual Violence Plan and the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan, go to https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/supporting-family-domestic-sexual-violence-services/domestic-family-sexual-violence-plans-and-strategies/nsw-sexual-violence-plan-and-domestic-and-family-violence-plan.html
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, or text 0458 737 732, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.