Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
Human Services Minister, Jacquie Petrusma, is on the right track with the announcement today of a funded program to treat men who are violent towards women and children.
This work is a necessary part of stemming the frightening rates of domestic and family violence in Tasmania.
The work of the community sector in delivering support, counselling, housing and access to services for abused women and their children is essential but it can't treat the causes of violence against women and children.
Fundamentally, it is men who must make the change. Sexism and misogyny are the foundational causes of verbal, physical and sexual violence against women and girls.
Men who hit and hurt women are cowards. The evidence tells us perpetrator programs can have positive results in preventing repeat acts of violence.
If we are to continue the momentum towards a safer Tasmania for women and children, resources must be invested in primary prevention and perpetrator treatment programs.
The Liberals' plan to tackle domestic and family violence and assault has Greens' support.
We will also be watching closely to ensure appropriate resourcing is invested in frontline family violence prevention into the future.