Dandenong MP, Gabrielle Williams this week called on the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence to join her to host a family violence forum in Dandenong.

Speaking in Parliament Ms Williams explained the significance of the problem of family violence, highlighting that one in three women and girls will experience violence in their lifetime.

‘In Greater Dandenong last year 2123 family incidents were reported, and these are only the incidents that have been brought to police attention.’

Ms Williams asked the Minister, Hon Fiona Richardson MP to join her in hosting a public forum on family violence. She explained the purpose of the forum would be to give the people of Dandenong an opportunity to have their say on this important issue that impacts so seriously on the community.

‘In diverse communities like Dandenong there is no one size fits all approach to ending violence.’

‘If we are going to generate real change, it is crucial that members of our community have an opportunity to engage firsthand with their political representatives on this issue.’

‘It would be of great encouragement and a boost to the cause for the people of Dandenong to have the Minister visit them and listen to their perspective on this problem.

The Andrews Labor Government is the first Victorian Government to have a Minister dedicated to the prevention of family violence. Ms Williams said, she was proud to be part of a government that is a strong voice against family violence and taking action to eliminate it.