The Federal and Victorian Governments will invest an additional $180 million in frontline services supporting women and children experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence across Victoria.
The funding, shared equally between the two governments, aims to strengthen crisis responses, expand safer accommodation options and provide specialist support for young people who do not have a parent to assist them when fleeing violence.
Announcing the package, Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek said the focus was on long-term change.
“The Albanese Labor Government is focused on delivering real change, to break cycles of violence and keep women and children safe,” she said.
“That’s why we have invested over $4 billion in keeping women and their children safe.”
Part of the funding will target young people who leave violent homes without a protective parent. Services have previously reported that these children and teenagers often struggle to access age-appropriate support.
“We know that when young people flee family violence without a protective parent, they can fall through the cracks in our system,” Ms Plibersek said.
Under the package, Melbourne City Mission will deliver the Amplify program, supporting young people aged 15 to 19 with trauma-informed case management, safety planning, peer support and help with legal, financial and education matters.
In regional Victoria, Meli will deliver the Aspire program for young people aged 12 to 25. The service will provide risk assessment, safety planning, support to stay engaged in education and assistance with legal, financial and housing needs.
Part of the funding will target young people who leave violent homes without a protective parent. Services have previously reported that these children and teenagers often struggle to access age-appropriate support
Ms Plibersek said the impact of violence on children can be lasting.
“Children who experience violence in their homes carry that trauma with them and without the right support, it can impact them for life,” she said.
“By investing in prevention, early intervention and crisis responses, we’re supporting more Victorians to safely leave and heal with specialist services to support them.”
Beyond youth services, the funding will boost crisis accommodation and reduce reliance on motels, with an emphasis on safer, trauma-informed options. It will also support Aboriginal community-led action through the Dhelk Dja Partnership Forum, enabling the Dhelk Dja Koori Caucus to set priorities in line with the Dhelk Dja 10-Year Agreement and Closing the Gap.
Victorian Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Ingrid Stitt said the investment would strengthen existing work in the state.
“Every child deserves to grow up safe and free from abuse and violence. That’s why we are backing programs that keep children safe and support them to recover,” she said.
“No young person should face crisis alone. Amplify and Aspire are supporting young people in need, when they have nowhere else to go.”
Ms Stitt said the funding would add to current services including The Orange Door Network and statewide case management and counselling support.
“This funding is an important injection into work already underway in Victoria to support young people experiencing family violence, including through The Orange Door Network and statewide case management and counselling support,” she said.
The Victorian package forms part of the renewed Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2025–30 Federation Funding Agreement, which began on 1 July. Across Australia, the agreement is delivering more than $700 million in new matched investments from the Commonwealth and state and territory governments.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
MensLine Australia Services are available if you are concerned about your wellbeing, relationships, and behaviour on 1300 789 978 or by visiting www.mensline.org.au.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In Victoria, support also can be accessed by contacting Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 (24 hours a day, seven days a week) or going to The Orange Door website to find a service nearby.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
