Earlier this month, the Federal Government announced a $4.7 billion package “to accelerate action to end gender-based violence”. But some say it’s not enough.
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Granting ideas: Domestic and family violence
With a focus on frontline responses, the five-year package includes $3.9 billion for legal services for women fleeing violence. While an increase of $800 million on existing support, the funding still falls short of meeting community need, say service workers.
Advocates are also concerned about the equitable distribution of funding. Because of social inequality and discrimination, some groups of people experience significantly higher rates of violence generally, including family violence. Philanthropy has a role to play in ensuring these groups receive targeted support.
While the remaining government funds are earmarked for local responses including prevention efforts, a greater focus on prevention is essential to end this crisis.
For those interested in supporting organisations tackling Australia’s domestic violence crisis, we have curated a selection of granting opportunities below.
Are you an ACF Fundholder? Make a grant request from your Fund by contacting our Philanthropy Team on 03 9412 0412 or email grants@communityfoundation.org.au.
Please note this is not a complete list of organisations doing critical work in this space. Fundholders who would like to discuss their giving in this area can contact our Philanthropy Team.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of structuring your giving with Australian Communities Foundation, you can learn more here.
Financial and social wellbeing support for migrant and refugee survivors of family violence
inTouch | $80,000 📍 VIC
The inSpire Financial Wellbeing project supports migrant and refugee survivors of family violence to build financial literacy and social connections.
Why we recommend: inTouch specialises in supporting refugee and migrant women and families affected by family violence, tailoring services to meet the specific needs of these communities.
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The Galiwin’ku Women’s Space Operational Costs
Galiwin’ku Women’s Space | $80,000 📍 NT
Galiwin’ku Women’s Space (GWS) is seeking support for its women’s shelter and other operations to support survivors of domestic violence in Galiwin’ku and Gapuwiyak in East Arnhem Land.
Why we recommend: GWS is a grassroots organisation offering community-led, culturally sensitive services in the Top End.
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EmpowerHer: Expanding access to economic empowerment
Zahra | $40,300 📍 Nationwide
The Zahra Foundation’s program is a vital resource for women affected by family violence, helping them create pathways to employment, education and training. After nine years of delivering the program in South Australia, Zahra is seeking support to extend its national reach and run the program online.
Why we recommend: Zahra is thinking creatively about how to reach survivors who typically experience barriers to services, such as those in regional and rural areas.
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Family Domestic Violence Court Support Service
Orana House | $50,000 📍 WA
Orana House provides emergency crisis accommodation and wraparound services to women affected by family violence. The organisation is seeking funding for its Court Support service to accompany clients in court and help them navigate the stressful process of applying for restraining orders.
Why we recommend: Orana’s Court Support service offers crucial assistance to survivors at a time of acute need.
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Specialised counselling for survivors of sexual violence with an intellectual disability
WWILD Sexual Violence Prevention | $35,000 📍 QLD
WWILD provides specialised counselling and case management to women and gender-diverse people who have an intellectual disability and who are survivors of or at risk of sexual violence.
Why we recommend: Support for domestic and sexual violence survivors with disabilities is often overlooked and underfunded. WWILD has become a leader in this space in Queensland and provides guidance to other states.
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Sydney Women’s Fund Domestic Violence Appeal
Sydney Community Foundation | $100,000 📍 NSW
The Sydney Women’s Fund is raising funds for grassroots charity partners across NSW to provide essential services including crisis support, trauma recovery, legal support, prevention and education, and advocacy for systems change.
Why we recommend: For over 15 years, the Sydney Women’s Fund has supported women and built a strong network of organisations promoting women’s safety and freedom.
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Embedding gender equality and preventing violence
Our Watch📍 Nationwide
Our Watch is a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia. The organisation works to embed gender equality and prevent violence where Australians live, learn, work and socialise.
Why we recommend: Our Watch plays a key role in the national conversation on prevention and provides leading resources and workplace training to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women.
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Counselling for men’s behaviour change
No to Violence📍 Nationwide
No to Violence is the peak body for organisations working with men to end family violence. The organisation has worked directly with men for 30 years, including through its Men’s Referral Service, which provides counselling for men looking to change their behaviour.
Why we recommend: Men’s behaviour change is crucial to addressing the crisis. By encouraging men to take accountability and promoting non-violent ways to manage conflict, behaviour change programs are key for prevention.
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