Access to Justice Policy Announcements
As part of their justice policy platform in the lead up to the election, the State Government has announced that they will enact new, stand alone family violence legislation as part of a comprehensive response to the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s recommendations on family violence (download the Commission's full report as pdf).
The Government also announced that it will fund a network of 7.5 Family Violence Community Lawyers to provide assistance in applications for family violence Intervention Orders at 11 courts across Victoria.
Further information is available at ALP website
NEW DVIRC DISCUSSION PAPER 
Available Now
Violence-Induced Disability
How many women experience … disability as a result of family violence? Well we don’t know. No one is counting ( Jennings 2004: 3).
A new DVIRC discussion paper shows that disability is often caused by violence. The paper highlights the importance of considering the causal relationship between violence and disability in distinction to disability as a ‘risk factor’ for violence. The paper describes the experiences of women and children with disabilities who have experienced violence. It seeks to raise awareness that violence is preventable and disability arising from violence is also preventable.
Cost $20 each
Contact DVIRC on (03) 9486-9866 or by Email dvirc@dvirc.org.au. Download the order form for DVIRC publications (pdf)
Now I know it wasn’t my fault
A brochure for adults sexually abused as children
The DVIRC brochure with information for adults who were sexually abused as children has been updated and reprinted in an accessible format, in line with Vision Australia's readability guidelines. Copies of the new brochure will be available early December 2006. They can be ordered from the DVIRC order form. Download DVIRC Publications order form (pdf)
Victorian Family Violence Database Five-Year Report 1999-2004
The Department of Justice has released a report prepared by the Victorian Community Council Against Violence. The report provides statistical information about family violence incidents reported in Victoria over a five year period, 1999-2004. It includes data from Victoria Police family violence incident reports, Victorian Magistrates' and Children's Court finalised Intervention Order applications and the Victorian Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP). The report includes data for each Local Government Area in Victoria.
For copies of the report contact Ruth Sutcliffe at the Victim’s Support Agency on 8684 7965 or download a copy on the Department of Justice website - Download a copy of the report (pdf)
New DVIRC Project
Getting Safe Against the Odds
Information for women with disabilities
DVIRC recently received funding from the Telematics Trust to research and produce online and print information for women with disabilities. DVIRC will conduct interviews with women with disabilities who have experienced violence, to find out about their experiences, what they have learned and their advice to others. This information will then become a guide for women with disabilities, which will be provided online and in print format.
The project will be undertaken in consultation with Women with Disabilities Australia and the Victorian Women with Disabilities Network.
If you would like to know more about the project, or to be involved in our research, please contact Chris Jennings at DVIRC on 9486-9866 or email Chris
New VicHealth Report 
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Community attitudes to violence against women
This report presents the findings of the Violence Against Women Community Attitudes Project undertaken by VicHealth. The project aims to improve understanding of how community attitudes in Victoria contribute to the problem of violence against women.
Copies of the report (pdf) are available on the VicHealth website.
Code of Practice for Specialist Family Violence Services for Women and Children
Domestic Violence Victoria has released a Code of Practice for family violence services. The Code aims to enhance the service system’s transparency, consistency and accountability in responding to family violence in Victoria. The Code outlines the current service system, its various components and referral pathways. It also provides information about fundamental concepts and values, organisational policies and procedures, and approaches to family violence service delivery.
For further information about the Code of Practice contact DV Vic on 99210 828 or email
admin@dvvic.org.au
Email us your feedback on The Vine! Let us know if we are meeting your information needs.
The Vine is circulated free of charge and provides news about new publications, events, and initiatives. If you didn't receive this publication directly and would like to become a subscriber, or if you would like us to send The Vine to a more suitable address, please email us.
To unsubscribe, click here.
The Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre is funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services and works to end all forms of family and relationship violence through education, training, publications, research and advocacy.
Copyright (c) DVIRC 2006
292 Wellington Street, Collingwood 3066, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
www.dvirc.org.au | Tel: 03 9486 9866 | Fax: 03 9486 9744