Message from DET in response to the Domestic Violence Royal Commission

Today the Royal Commission into Family Violence tabled its report in Parliament. The report is the result of evidence given by hundreds of witnesses over the past 13 months from across the Victorian community and government – including our Department. This is a historic moment in our state; one which many people should be able to look back on as a turning point in our state’s refusal to tolerate this deeply damaging social problem. For anyone who remembers the seemingly impossible aspiration to change smoking rates in the population, we have the same long-term agenda ahead of us to eradicate family violence. And we will need to stick at it. The report makes 227 recommendations. The Victorian Government has committed to accepting all of the report’s recommendations in full. You can read the report online, see: Report and Recommendations - Royal Commission into Family Violence Each one of us has a responsibility to help prevent family violence. Given the significant role of our trusted service platforms such as schools, early childhood services, Maternal Child Health services and TAFEs, we will play a leading role in helping to achieve the recommendations of the Commission. The recommendation to mandate the introduction of respectful relationships education into every government school in Victoria from prep to year 12 is fundamental to changing attitudes and beliefs over a generation. It is an opportunity for our next young leaders to see gender equality, respect and resolutions other than violence as the norm. The Royal Commission’s recommendations will shape the work of our Department and services in the years to come. I encourage you to talk with your colleagues about the ways in which this report and its recommendations can enhance the work you do.

Gill Callister Secretary