The 10th annual Australian Violence Prevention Awards were announced in Canberra on 18 October 2001. The two national winners were the projects When Love Hurts and the Port Augusta Aboriginal Families Project. Each winner received $10,000. The project Safer Times Round Albury-Wodonga for Women (STRAWS) won the Special Drugs and Alcohol Category Award and $10,000.
The Violence Prevention Awards recognise of outstanding projects contributing to the prevention or reduction of violence in Australia. Projects can focus on specific groups, such as children or families, or tackle specific problems, such as alcohol consumption or domestic violence.
Following are brief descriptions of the 2001 major winners:
When Love Hurts is an important source of information on domestic violence, comprising a 40-page web site (www.dvirc.org.au/whenlove) and a 24-page booklet (Relationships). Recent studies have shown that young people are more likely to be subjected to violence, yet they are less likely to talk to a counsellor. By having a web site or printed material available, it is hoped young people's awareness will be raised about warning signs of abuse in a relationship. Further, it is hoped the information will assist people in a violent relationship to protect themselves or leave a violent partner. When Love Hurts is an initiative of the Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre in Victoria.
The Port Augusta Aboriginal Families Project is aimed at providing support and care to Aboriginal families who are experiencing multiple serious problems. The project is now in its third year and has been very successful in preventing the removal of children from their families. Results have shown that through the project there have been reductions in gambling, drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence. There has been an enormous positive impact on the children - more are attending school regularly and are in better health.
Safer Times Round Albury-Wodonga for Women (STRAWS) is a partnership between New South Wales and Victoria police services, Albury City Council, Wodonga City Council, the New South Wales Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women, Albury-Wodonga Women's Centre and Albury-Wodonga Women's Refuge. The project is aimed at enhancing the safety of women at nightclubs, hotels, clubs and other licensed venues in the Albury-Wodonga area. Special teams inspect participating venues and assess factors such as lighting, security and staff management. STRAWS also holds a people's choice award where the community votes for what they think is the safest venue.