A LEGAL support service for Aboriginal women has received a $1.46 million funding boost from the Victorian government.
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Aboriginal community-controlled organisation Djirra - which has an office in Bendigo - provides culturally safe and holistic support for Aboriginal women who experience family violence or sexual assault.
The group also provides specialist family violence legal assistance and representation.
Djirra opened its first office in Bendigo in May. A spokesperson said it was still too early to say how the additional funding - which was allocated across four years - would affect individual services across the state.
"We take the announcement as testament of the vital and unique work we do at Djirra to break the cycle of family violence and women imprisonment," Djirra chief executive Antoinette Braybrook said.
"This additional funding shows a commitment and a step forward to change the story for Aboriginal women in Victoria.
"In the last year, Djirra's Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service (AFVLS) continued and consolidated its work in prison.
"Notably, the opening of our Bendigo office enabled us to strengthen our relationship with Tarrengower prison for the benefit of Aboriginal women, better ensuring state-wide access to justice for Aboriginal women in prison including post-release support."
Aboriginal women are 45 times more likely to experience family violence than their non-Aboriginal counterparts, and 25 times more likely to be killed or injured.
"When it comes to Aboriginal women's safety and resilience, Djirra will continue its advocacy to secure further investment into community controlled organisations and into our self- determination, to ensure that our solutions are invested ink," Ms Braybrook said.
The Victorian government already allocated $2.4 million for Djirra's Koori Women's Place in this year's budget.
If you or someone who know has been affected by family or sexual violence, Djirra's Bendigo office can be contacted on 1800 105 303 and the Centre for Non-Violence on 1800 884 292. 1800RESPECT also offers support on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call triple zero.
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