Page 4550 - Week 12 - Thursday, 26 October 2017
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This group are working on initiatives which map existing resources and the needs of school communities and facilitate the sharing of resources between jurisdictions. This work will increase the respectful relationships education materials accessible to schools through resource development and work with members such as ACARA to support initiatives in this area.
The Education Directorate has developed and promoted a webpage with resources for school communities relating to violence and violence prevention. School resources include The Line campaign. Funded by the Australian Government, The Line is an initiative under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010 - 2022 delivered by Our WATCH. This website discusses relationships, gender, sex, bystander action, technology and communication; and how to keep it healthy and respectful, and avoid “crossing the line” into behaviour that makes someone feel frightened, intimidated or diminished. The Line is a primary prevention behaviour change campaign for young people aged 12 to 20 years, encouraging healthy and respectful relationships by challenging and changing attitudes and behaviours that support violence.
2. Enhancing Service Delivery
Historical 2010-13
The ACT Staying at Home Program supported women and children to transfer a public housing lease to their own tenancy following domestic violence. The program was underpinned by the Domestic Violence Policy Manual, which outlined the commitments and principles that inform the work of Housing ACT, including security upgrades on houses, transfers and prioritising applications for women and children escaping domestic violence.
Brilliant Idea was launched in March 2010 and provides ACT women on low incomes with access to interest-free loans of up to $3,000 to help them establish or further develop a business. The program is administered through the Lighthouse Innovation Business Centre, which provides women with access to mentoring, training and networking opportunities.
The ACT Government Office for Women runs the ACT Women’s Return to Work Program. This provides grants of up to $1,000 to support women returning to the workforce following time off for caring responsibilities. The money supports them to attend courses, pay for childcare, purchase clothing to attend interviews, undertake education and training, and pay for transport equipment, computers and text books directly related to returning to work. This program helps women that have or are experiencing domestic and family violence, and certain eligibility criteria may be waived in these circumstances. This program has continued.
Current
Support for women and children to leave violence
The ACT Government’s funding for women’s homelessness accommodation services is a critical part of the crisis support for women and children leaving violence. In 2016-2017, ACT Government funding for women’s homelessness accommodation services was $4.5 million. All women’s homelessness services are domestic and family violence inclusive with two services, Beryl and Doris, specialising in accommodation and case management to women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
Research from the Staying at Home project managed by the Domestic Violence Crisis Service identified a need in the ACT for interventions that assist women who required additional
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