06 Dec 2017 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) Benalla Rural City is one of several areas in Northern Victoria that will benefit from State Government investments designed to help Aboriginal people tackle family violence in their communities. Aboriginal communities in the region will receive more than $200 000 as part of the 2017-18 Indigenous Family Violence Strategy Community Initiatives Fund. The Creative Spirits Rural Sporting Prevention Project which is run in Benalla and its surrounding areas will receive $34 000. This program offers a creative way to address issues Aboriginal men, women, children, youth and families are faced with, while targeting and raising awareness of family violence. It will provide opportunities for participants to grow as individuals and learn how to uphold themselves, by gaining skills to get through the tough times and still perform as an individual while understanding that rules and regulations are in place for a reason. Whether it be to avoid being penalised in sport when a rule violation has been broken, or community safety as a whole. State Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said Northern Victorian projects would include supporting young Aboriginal women and children. Breaking the cycle of Aboriginal family violence must involve local responses led by Aboriginal communities, Ms Symes said. Aboriginal people are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing family violence and less likely to report it, which is why these projects are so important. Addressing family violence is everyones responsibility and these projects will help create a safer Victoria for all Aboriginal children and families. The projects receiving funding were recommended by the local Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group. The Government is implementing all 227 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence and delivering a 10-year plan to end family violence for all Victorians, including Aboriginal children and families. The plan includes working in partnership with Aboriginal communities, increased funding for Aboriginal child specialist advice and support services, and the establishment of a network of support and safety hubs across Victoria. The launch of these projects coincides with the Victoria Against Violence campaign, which is a key part of the United Nations UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign which runs until December 10, International Human Rights Day. Caption Text: Jaclyn Symes Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.