Victoria to address family violence

Victoria's minister for women Fiona Richardson does not want to politicise the issue of domestic violence, despite complaints about federal funding.

Fiona Richardson

Victoria is determined to work with the federal government to prevent domestic violence. (AAP)

Victoria wants to work with the federal government to address family violence, despite saying the budget fails to provide critical funding.

The state's Minister for the Protection of Family and Women Fiona Richardson said recent cases in Victoria of women dying at the hands of their partners were just the tip of the iceberg.

"We know our system is broken," she said on Thursday.

"We know if we don't do anything these sorts of tragic events will continue to occur."

Her comments come a day after a Melbourne man, who threatened to kill his girlfriend in the months before he fatally shot her, was found not guilty of murder.

Nelson Lai, 35, was instead found guilty in Victoria's Supreme Court of the lesser charge of manslaughter over the death of 22-year-old Rekiah O'Donnell in 2013.

Lai had testified he had been waving a gun around - which he didn't know was loaded - when he accidentally shot Ms O'Donnell in the head.

Ms Richardson said the Victorian government is determined to work with the federal government to prevent similar tragedies.

"I'm very keen to work with the prime minister to see this national crisis addressed, I don't want to politicise this issue," she said.

Despite speaking out, Tony Abbott has not committed funding to programs, Ms Richardson said.

"He's done nothing to address the increase in demand for services, and that's disappointing, particularity for the victims of family violence."

In the meantime, the Victorian government has indicated it will implement the recommendations from Victoria's Royal Commission into Family Violence, which is not due to be completed until next year.


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Source: AAP

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Victoria to address family violence | SBS News