Respect Ballarat: A community model to prevent gendered violence

In May 2024, the Victorian Government announced a 4-year project to prevent violence against women in Ballarat. To inform the scoping of this project, Respect Victoria commissioned a review of international evidence to understand how a ‘saturation model’ adds to our understanding of what works to prevent violence against women. The review found that ‘saturating’ an area with initiatives that are connected and mutually reinforcing has significantly more impact on preventing violence than stand-alone activities.  

Following the announcement in May 2024 of Respect Ballarat: A community model to prevent gendered violence, in 2024-25 work on this nation-first model included: significant engagement and work to partner with communities on model design; work to understand opportunities and needs in Ballarat; as well as work to co-design with communities, sectors and advocates. The co-design process included a co-design working group, ‘community connectors’ who engaged with LGBTIQA+ communities, culturally and racially marginalised communities, young people, and men; and standalone processes to engage young First Nations people and women with disabilities. A public survey was launched for anyone who lives or works in Ballarat to have their say, and several roundtables were held to seek input from practitioners.  

You can find out more at Respect Ballarat.