The Victorian Government, and organisations across Victoria, have been important leaders in primary prevention over decades. This has included the Victorian Government’s role in the bi-partisan establishment of Our Watch, as well as key bodies including Respect Victoria and VicHealth.
Successive Victorian Governments have demonstrated commitment to primary prevention as a crucial element of work to end gender-based violence.
Our Watch notes the Victorian Government’s recent announcement that it will move VicHealth into the Department of Health as part of its response to the Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service.
VicHealth has been central to primary prevention leadership. It is recognised internationally as a world-leading health promotion organisation and has shaped the prevention landscape through its commitment to evidence, innovation and community engagement.
VicHealth played a pivotal role in the development of Change the story and in the establishment of Our Watch. Its work has strengthened the national evidence base and created the foundations for primary prevention efforts across the country. We acknowledge the contribution VicHealth has made to improving health outcomes and building a culture of respect and equality.
Primary prevention is an essential part of health promotion and a necessary component of ending violence against women. Continued investment in prevention allows governments and communities to address the conditions that enable harm, and to build safer, healthier futures.
We encourage all Commonwealth, State and Territory governments to continue to prioritise prevention as a core part of health policy and violence prevention. Victoria has a proud history of leadership in this work, and we look forward to continuing to partner with the Victorian Government to advance primary prevention and end gender-based violence.
Please contact media@ourwatch.org.au or call 0448 844 930.
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1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732. Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access support through 13YARN.
Access guides for reporting about violence against women and their children.
Our Watch is Australia’s leader in the primary prevention of violence against women. The organisation was created to drive nation-wide change in the practices, norms, and structures that lead to violence against women and children. Read more about Our Watch here.