SYDNEY, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Australian state government of Victoria announced on Thursday a package of reforms to combat domestic violence and offer timely support to survivors.
The state government noted in a statement that the reforms include opening 36 support and safety hubs, known as "Orange Doors," providing immediate and simple access for women escaping violence, as well as establishing Australia's first dedicated prevention agency Respect Victoria.
The new move is expected to "change laws, change culture, and deliver new support for victim-survivors when they need it most," according to the Victorian government.
"When women are still dying at the hands of men - we must do more. From prevention to response to justice, these reforms will target family violence at every stage," said Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan.
As a part of the package, the state government would introduce a presumption of a new minimum length for Family Violence Intervention Orders, which most commonly last between six and 12 months.
Besides, a Respectful Relationships curriculum will be expanded to a greater number of schools across the state to promote respect and healthy relationships at an early age, while 240 more schools will implement the Modelling Respect and Equality program to educate young men on positive behaviors.
The Victorian government also outlined responsive measures to keep perpetrators in view and hold them accountable, including the upgrade of the Central Information Point, an Australian-first that consolidates information about an offender of family violence into a single report.
"This package means hitting fast-forward on the action we need now, as well as sowing the seeds on the long-term cultural shift we need to end violence for good," said Vicki Ward, the state's minister for prevention of family violence.
Data from Crime Statistics Agency Victoria showed that in 2023, the number of family incidents recorded by the state police rose 2 percent from 92,285 to 94,170. ■
