New court grants program to deliver targeted, innovative response to family violence

Targeted family violence interventions will aim to reach a broader range of respondents under a $10 million grants program to run over two years introduced by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria (MCV).   

Agencies in the family violence sector will be invited to apply for funding to deliver innovative and inclusive services across the state that will promote accountability and encourage behaviour change.  

MCV announced changes to its Court Mandated Counselling Orders Program (CMCOP) for intervention orders under a new model that better reflects the diversity of respondents coming before the court. 

MCV Acting CEO Melissa Martino said under the new grants program, agencies can seek funding to deliver programs that serve a broad range of respondents, including those that would benefit from specialist programs.  

“Family violence reform has always been about continuous improvement," Ms Martino said. 

“We acknowledge the experiences of all people impacted by family violence and understand that as a system, we must do better to protect all members of our community.”  

Through the new grants program, MCV is aiming to increase the number of respondents who complete CMCOP, as well as looking for accessible programs that cater for diverse groups including culturally and linguistically diverse respondents, non-English speaking, First Nations and LGBTQIA+ participants.   

The grants program will build on the sector’s deep experience and understanding of adults who use violence, while also investing in innovative and specialised family violence and behaviour change programs and services.      

The new grants program forms part of a suite of court responses aimed at improving accountability and encouraging behaviour change. 

“The court has an important role in encouraging behaviour change and helping to connect respondents to support services,” Ms Martino said.  

“That’s why we are working to widen the range of programs available to a broader group of participants, helping us to achieve better outcomes for Victorian families.” 

Applications for grants will open 8 July and MCV is looking for innovative, inclusive and sustainable interventions that:  

• Build on the practice knowledge of established providers;   
• Contribute to the emerging evidence about what works to increase accountability and encourage behaviour change;   
• Increase the number of people currently completing counselling; and
• Reduce the barriers preventing access to existing programs.  

View more information about the Court Mandated Counselling Orders Program (CMCOP) Grants Program.