Alexis family violence response model
Rachel asked the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence if they will extend the Alexis family violence response model program to the City of Casey.

Rachel asked the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence if they will extend the Alexis family violence response model program to the City of Casey.

Rachel presented a member’s statement, reflecting on the 16 days of activism against family and intimate partner violence. She spoke about the tragic murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children by their respective partner and father, with police ignoring multiple reports of violence and abuse until it was too late. Rachel calls on the government to direct their ‘tough on crime’ approach to address the systemic failures that lead to these tragic but preventable consequences.

Rachel spoke on a family violence motion which would create a standalone offence for coercive control. She acknowledged the deeply disturbing prevalence of family and intimate partner violence, and its well-established connection with coercive control. Rachel spoke to the evidence arising from stakeholder consultation and law changes in New South Wales, noting that effectiveness of a standalone offence is contentious and could be underutilised or otherwise cause harmful, unintended consequences.

This year, over 7000 family and domestic violence incidents have been reported in Casey to date. Rachel asks for assurance that the Safe at Home initiative can be rolled out in areas of highest need – including the City of Casey – as soon as successfully proven.

Rachel questioned the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence about police responses to family and domestic violence incidents. Highlighting issues of police misconduct, police-perpetrated family violence, and self-investigation, Rachel asked if the Minister will push for increased funding for community-led responses and an end to police self-investigation.

South-eastern MP Rachel Payne has welcomed $80 million in the state budget to support victim-survivors of family violence, including specialised case management.

Victorian Member of Parliament Rachel Payne is calling on the Allan government to set-up a taskforce to tackle family violence in Melbourne’s South-East, given the area has the highest rates in the state.

Rachel asked if the government would establish a taskforce dedicated to addressing family violence. As several south-eastern suburbs have some of the highest rates of family violence in the metropolitan area, Rachel continues to seek government action on this epidemic.

Rachel presented her contribution to a motion which proposed the legal use of capsicum spray for personal protection.

Rachel Payne MP presented an adjournment matter to the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence. Rachel called on the minister to work with the Attorney-General in reviewing the efficacy of these laws to protect victim-survivors.