Labor is bringing the Geelong community together to prevent violence through early intervention and collaboration.

Geelong regional Labor MPs today hosted a Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) forum at the Murran Hub in Geelong.

The forum brought together community organisations, service providers and local leaders from across Geelong and surrounding areas.

It gave stakeholders the chance to hear directly from the Violence Reduction Unit about its role, its work, and how collaboration can help stop violence before it starts.

A strong First Nations lens underpinned the discussion, acknowledging the over‑representation of First Nations individuals in the justice system and as victims.

The forum focused on the importance of culturally informed, community‑led solutions that reflect local knowledge and lived experience.

The VRU works across government, alongside police, education, health and community services to address the drivers of violence early.

It also draws on proven overseas approaches to break the cycle of youth violence.

In the UK, VRUs have cut violent crime significantly, with a 48 per cent drop in violent crime in Scotland and a 28 per cent decrease in knife crime injuries among young people in London

The VRU operates across Government to tackle and disrupt violence.

Education, health, mental health, housing, police, community and the justice system – nothing is off-limits.

Last year, the Liberals called for the VRU to be cancelled.

They’ll cut early intervention and mentoring because they don’t really believe in it.

Only Labor has new solutions to make life safer for families. Liberals have no solutions – only cuts.

Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples Christine Couzens

“Aboriginal voices and leadership must be central to this work, and forums like this help make that happen.”

Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Violence Reduction Tim Richardson

“The Violence Reduction Unit is about listening to communities and working across services to stop harm before it escalates.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

“Victorians should feel safe in their streets, schools and public spaces – and that starts with strong local partnerships focused on early intervention.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“The Violence Reduction Unit is helping communities like Geelong connect the dots and intervene earlier, where it can make the biggest difference.”

Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George

“This is about services in Geelong working together to sup