A new project to tackle domestic violence in Peel has won $147,000 in funding, women’s minister Michaelia Cash and Canning MP Andrew Hastie announced on Wednesday.
The Peel Community Development Group’s Peel Says No to Violence project will establish a regional alliance on violence against women to develop and trial a community education campaign to promote current services and key messages through community and business ambassadors.
Mr Hastie called on men in particular to support the project.
“I'd really like to see the men of Peel getting behind this, because men are responsible for a lot of domestic violence, so I'd like to see a bit of pressure applied to see blokes stepping up,” he said.
“It is important that we promote a culture of zero-tolerance of violence against women in the local community and this project, particularly the regional alliance, will help spread that message.
“I encourage all local businesses, community leaders, residents and other stakeholders to pledge their support for this project and take a stand against violence towards women and children.”
Project consultant for the Peel Community Development Group, Francis Lynch, welcomed the funding, which he said will enable the group to achieve its ultimate aim of a community-based response to domestic violence.
He said about 640 programs from around the country applied for funding and only 28, including Peel’s, was successful.
Senator Cash thanked the group for its commitment to improving services in the Peel region for victims of domestic and family violence.
“This is just the perfect example of a community recognising they do have a problem, but working together to put in place a strategy to look at solving that problem,” she said.
Nathan Hondros
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
