The funding is a crucial reprieve for the Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre, which lost its dedicated family violence lawyer after funding ran out earlier this year. 

The end of the three-year philanthropic grant from the Legal Services Board and Commissioner expired in July this year, also putting an end to services in Kyneton and Castlemaine. 

The two pools of funding will see $100,000 injected into the local legal service for family violence training and legal assistance, as well as an additional $52,174 specifically targeted at the family violence lawyer duty fund. 

Legal practice manager Clare Sauro said it was exciting for the centre to be able to restore most of their family violence legal services. 

“It’s important to support and give a voice to women going through a very traumatic time in their life and a very confusing legal system,” Ms Sauro said. 

ARC Justice executive officer Peter Noble congratulated the state government for continuing to invest in the family violence arena, stressing central Victoria was a “demanding region” to service.

“There's been a gap between July 1 and now, but we are confident with this new funding, we can rebuild and restore the level of services,” Mr Noble said. 

“This funding recognises that not only is it critical to provide legal assistance at court on that first occasion, but many require follow up and sustained assistance.”

He said cases rarely resolve after a first court session and it was important to reassure victims and and give them housing stability at a vulnerable time. 

A lot more work needed to be done to make sure court processes were designed to promote “safety, empowerment and a sense of justice being served for victims of violence,” he said.

Attorney-General Martin Pakula said the $3.2 million boost for centres would help disadvantaged Victorians. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or sexual assault, phone 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.