HOBSONS Bay Council has welcomed a state government and Municipal Association of Victoria campaign to prevent violence against women.

In 2008-09, police recorded 504 cases of family domestic abuse in the Hobsons Bay - an average of one every 17 hours.

Hobsons Bay mayor Bill Tehan said the council would benefit from the $150,000 plan, under which a project officer will be hired at the MAV office to work with councils.

"It's the council's understanding that an officer will be employed by the Municipal Association of Victoria to work with all local governments in Victoria.

"The project officer will be responsible for assisting councils to develop processes, policies and programs that focus on the prevention of violence against women. How this will be applied in Hobsons Bay is still to be determined."

Women's Affairs Minister Maxine Morand said violence against women was one of the most significant social issues facing the community.

"Our partnership with the MAV will fund resources to support councils, health and community organisations across Victoria to undertake prevention activity.

"Regional prevention networks will be established to co-ordinate training and develop and distribute tools and resources for locally driven prevention programs."