ABC highlights funding pressures in Ballarat’s family violence response – Allied Justice calls for sustained investment
ABC News has reported growing concerns from frontline organisations about whether current funding for Ballarat’s family violence prevention response will be sufficient to meet community needs. The article highlights the state-funded Respect Ballarat “saturation model” alongside increasing reports of family violence and rising demand for support services in the region.
The report shows what Allied Justice and many local services are experiencing firsthand: increased awareness is prompting more people to seek help, but systems are struggling to respond at the necessary scale.
Allied Justice CEO Narelle Laing stated that the conversation needs to gobeyond short-term timelines.
"We should support advocacy for funding beyond four years. Preventing family violence requires generational change, not time-limited pilots. While prevention efforts are vital, those experiencing violence today need access to social support and justice—immediately."
Ms Laing emphasised that increasing reporting rates should be interpreted carefully.
“The rise in demand does not necessarily indicate more violence—it also shows greater awareness and confidence to seek help. However, without sufficient resources for frontline services and legal aid, the demand risks overwhelming the very systems people depend on."
ABC reporting also highlights concerns from service providers that prevention initiatives might further strain under-resourced response services if not supported by additional funding. Allied Justice agrees that a dual approach is necessary.
“We need to honestly evaluate what is working and what isn’t in our current responses to family violence,” Ms Laing said. “It is a social responsibility to ensure victim-survivors are supported now, while also investing in long-term prevention. Governments must commit to both.”
Allied Justice will continue to advocate for:
long-term investment beyond short funding cycles
increased funding for frontline and legal services
Justice responses that prioritise safety and access for victim-survivors.
evidence-based prevention strategies that reinforce, rather than burden, local systems
📖Read the ABC News article: Funding concerns over Ballarat’s violence prevention model (ABC News)[abc.net.au]
