Submission: Inquiry into Domestic and Family Violence - Policy approaches and responses

In this submission to the ACT Government's Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety, ACTCOSS recommends:

• Respectful Relationships education as a prevention and early-intervention model is introduced as a required program across all ACT schools. This education should be delivered by community organisations with expertise and connections to the different students groups outlined above, who are adequately resourced to do so.
• The ACT Government conduct operational research and policy planning into the costs and benefits of long-term, specialist funding for domestic and family violence services outside a housing/homelessness funding model. This research should particularly consider the costs and benefits to both the housing and women’s sectors, with consultation of both groups.