Access to the Victorian Disability Family Violence Crisis Response Initiative has been broadened in line with this recommendation.
Access to Family Violence Flexible Support Packages is also expanding (in line with Recommendation 17), to ensure that people with disabilities who are victims of family violence have access to the supports they need, both during crisis and recovery.
Eligibility for the Victorian Disability Family Violence Crisis Response Initiative has been extended, as per the recommendation through a review and update of the service guidelines. People with a disability experiencing family violence previously not eligible under the Disability Act 2006 (Vic) but who nevertheless require support are eligible for assistance under the extended guidelines.
Additional funding to the Victorian Disability Family Violence Crisis Response Initiative has been provided to address any increase in demand generated by the extended eligibility.
In September 2016, the government announced funding to expand access to family violence flexible support packages (FSPs) in 2016–17. This funding was provided to the existing network of FSP providers and new key statewide specialist family violence agencies to improve access to FSPs for people from diverse communities, including people with a disability. This funding was continued for another 12 months in 2017-18.