THE Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) Women Against Gender-Based Violence Group met with Federal MP for Dunkley, Jodie Belyea on 27 August to urge her help in preventing domestic and family violence.
SWAN members, including Diane McDonald, Belinda Rodman, Cr Sarah Race and Maureen Donelly, say their group decided to appeal to Belyea in particular because of her proven track record in supporting women. According to the group, Crime Statistics Agency Victoria data for 2023 reported 2509 family violence incidents in Frankston and 2044 on the Mornington Peninsula (up 3.5% from 2022).
The group stressed that both short-term and long-term low-cost housing are imperative to prevent women and children being trapped in violent situations and to ensure they move onto a healthy and safe recovery. Belyea was told about the critical need for accessible help services for women experiencing family and domestic violence on the Mornington Peninsula and of the group’s concern that frontline services must be adequately funded.
The group members say they were encouraged by Belyea’s responsiveness but pointed to the ongoing need for broad primary prevention strategies as well as men’s behaviour intervention programs. “The Mornington Peninsula still has no women’s refuge to provide a safe first step,” said Maureen Donelly.
“Behind these statistics are real women and children, some of them joining the ranks of those couch surfing or sleeping in cars or tents – or remaining in violent homes. “We are counting on Ms Belyea, as a Federal MP, to ensure that the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children brings real change in our area.”
First published in the Mornington News – 17 September 2024
