The enormous task of ending gendered violence in this generation has been laid bare in the first annual update on the progress of the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. Source: ABC News.
The national plan outlines how state, territory and Commonwealth governments intend to end violence against women within a generation.
Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin delivered the update to Parliament yesterday, highlighting opportunities to “accelerate, amplify and drive impact”.
While the report noted progress and substantial commitment from the federal and state governments, it also raised serious concerns, particularly in the delivery of services.
“Our service systems overwhelmed, stretched beyond capacity, they are struggling to hold onto staff and they are at wits’ end,” Ms Cronin said after the report’s launch at the National Press Club.
The commissioner said Australia needs to take gendered violence as seriously as it takes terrorism.
She stressed that while the issues are different, approaching them with the same urgency could save lives.
The report made five key findings across policy, implementation and service delivery.
It highlighted the need for new and clearer data across the country, to assess progress of the National Plan and establish which programs worked.
The plan recommended more transparency and information sharing between governments and within the sector.
It also recognised the critical role of lived experience advocates and their “deep wisdom” in decision making. The report found the Government didn’t just need to include victims, but perpetrators as part of the solution.
It also said governments needed to support efforts to redefine masculinity and engage men in the discussion.
The report’s final two findings came down to resourcing, detailing the urgent need to build workforce capability and improve system capacity.
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot spoke to the report in the House of Representatives yesterday prior to it being tabled.
“Fear of violence should not be a normal nor accepted part of womanhood,” she said.
Shadow Minister for Women Sussan Ley called the National Plan “an important opportunity” as she recommitted the Coalition to ending gender-based violence.
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First update on plan to end violence against women handed to Parliament (Claudia Long and Syan Vallance, ABC News)
