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Colac and Ararat courthouses set for a re-vamp

Two western Victorian courthouses are set for major overhauls as part of a commitment to protect victims of domestic violence.

Colac Magistrates Court will receive a $333,000 safety upgrade while the Ararat Courthouse will receive $490,000 to install new security features.

The cash injection is part of a $58.1 million budget commitment to improve community safety following recommendations from the Royal Commission into family violence.

Both courthouse redevelopments will include the installation of screening to visually separate parties, separate waiting areas for victims and offenders and a safe interview room.

In Ararat there will also be the added investment of three security guards designed to improve safety.

At Stringer Clark we whole-heartedly support any initiatives designed to make victims safer and feel safe in the courts.

For most people, attending court is already intimidating - but these upgrades will hopefully make victims of domestic violence and other court users safer and feel more comfortable.

Victims of abuse should have as few a barriers as possible to giving evidence in court.