Domestic violence support services in Bendigo have welcomed the federal government's latest family violence funding announcement, but say there is still more work to do.
The federal government on Tuesday announced a further $328 million for a fourth wave of programs to prevent and manage violence against women and children.
That figure included $68 million for a Prevention Hub, $64 million for the 1800 RESPECT hotline, $82 million for front line services, and $35 million for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
It came after the government last month committed $60 million for emergency housing and $18 million to upgrade home security for women and children.
Women's Health Loddon Mallee chief executive Tricia Currie said the latest round of funding was a positive step forward.
"We welcome that it includes prevention, identification and support for women who are fleeing or urgently leaving a dangerous situation," she said.
"But we need to have long term investment if we want to change the story around domestic violence."
Annie North chief executive Julie Oberin said it was "disappointing" the funding doesn't appear provide any immediate support for women and children in the Bendigo region.
"There is a lot of work going into trying to prevent domestic violence, which is great," she said. "But in trying to stop the drivers for the violence, it drives up demand for our services because more women are likely to seek help."
"We need to strengthen our front line services to meet that growing demand," she said.
Annie North provides support and assistance to women and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence.
"Here at Annie North, our workers do an amazing job," Ms Oberin said. "But sometimes demand is so high, they need to prioritise their work minute to minute."
"It would be nice to have more staff to help meet this growing demand," she said.
Ms Currie said domestic violence was an "intergenerational" problem and that early education was also important to stamp out the problem.
"The data is shocking in our region and it is unacceptable," she said. "The issues around domestic violence is complicated and there's no one single story."
"Gender equality is a driver which can prevent violence against women and children," she said. "We need to challenge unconscious bias and create a more inclusive and respectful culture."
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
