Vic government launches anti-violence plan - Ninemsn

Speaking out about violence against women and children is everyone's responsibility, Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu says.

The state government on Tuesday launched its plan to tackle the issue that leaves thousands of women and children feeling unsafe and costs the Victorian economy an estimated $3.4 billion every year.

Part of the government's plan is to create a new indictable offence for breaching a family violence intervention order with a maximum penalty of five years' jail.

But the legislation is unlikely to be introduced into parliament for at least another four months.

The plan outlines $7.9 million of spending already announced in the May budget that will go towards prevention and initiatives to change community attitudes behind the violence.

Mr Baillieu says everyone in the community must take responsibility for speaking out against "unspeakable violence" perpetrated on women and children.

"This plan is an important step towards realising a long-term vision of a Victoria that is free from violence against women and children," he told reporters.

The $7.9 million of new and expanded initiatives includes $3.1 million for new programs to work with the media, workplaces and local communities as well as more than $1 million for research.