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1
Recent developments in Australia to reduce violence against
women
Libby Lloyd Chair : Australian Government Violence against
Women Advisory Group Former Chair: Australian National Council to
Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWAG)
Board Member : Australian White Ribbon Campaign
2
Australian context
On current incidence rates, an estimated 750,000 Australian women will report being a victim of violence in 2021-2022
Most repeated figures are:1:3 victim of D+FV1:5 victim of sexual assault
If current incidence rates remain, the cost is predicted to be $15.6 billion by 2021-2022
3
New Government Emphasis
In Nov 2007 a new Government was elected
Both the new Prime Minister and the Minister for the Status of Women placed a priority on reducing violence against women
Incoming election platform committed to take action
4
Australian Government’s response to the problem of VAW
Prime Minister declared Government’s policy is one of a ‘zero tolerance’ towards violence
Prime Minister and Minister for the Status of Women set up the National Council to reduce Violence against Women and their Children
Asked Council for advice that was based on evidence of what works
5
National Council’s ApproachDesktop ResearchNew ResearchNational Conversation – over 2,000
Australians right around the country 370 written submissions 300 interviews and on-line surveys 6 expert roundtables, including one with
judicial officials and lawyers and one with Indigenous leaders
6
Council’s Report: Time for Action Time for Action: The National Council’s Plan for
Australia to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, 2009-2021 – April 2009 (5 documents)
Time for Action A Snapshot to Time for Action Background Paper to Time for Action The Cost of Violence against Women and their
Children An Analysis of Domestic Violence Laws in
Australia
• Government’s Response
7
Council’s Report to 2021Outline of Time for Action
6 Outcome areas 11 Recommendations25 Strategies117 Actions to 202120 Priority actions for immediate
implementation
8
Time for Action ‘Outcome’ areas
1. Communities are safe and free from violence
2. Relationships are respectful3. Services meet the needs of women and
their children4. Responses are just5. Perpetrators stop their violence6. Systems work together effectively
9
Australian Government Initial Response to Time for ActionAgreed to implement, or agreed-in-principle to
take to COAG, 18 of Council’s 20 priority actions
Committed $42 million over 4 years to take forward priority actions: national online and 1800 24/7 expert service Respectful Relationships multi-layered social marketing campaign research programs New Violence against Women Advisory Group
10
Major issues around the lawsMost relevant laws are State laws and these
differ widelyNo intention to harmonise laws across States
Prefer identify good practice and encourage change
In general laws themselves not a problem
Application of the law can be the main issue
A number of areas needed urgent attention
11
Linked progress in legal reformCommonwealth and State Attorneys-General
agreed in April 2009:
Have a working group develop options for a national registration scheme for DV orders
Assess the impact of Coroners’ recommendations including on DV related deaths
Audit best practice in the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases
12
Linked progress in legal reform cont
The Australian Government
Asked the Law Reform Commission to examine the interaction of Federal and State/Territory laws on safety of women & children (now underway)
Problems identified with Commonwealth laws are being addressed (e.g. shared parenting)
Will develop a multi-disciplinary training package for professionals working in the family law system
13
Next Steps : COAG
Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has set up a special Ministerial Council on VAW
Represents All States and Territories Is developing a National Plan to Reduce
Violence against Women Prime Minister to take National Plan to COAG
in early 2010
14
Importance of coordinated Government responseOutcome 6: Systems work effectively together
Need a whole of government approachChange needs to be coordinated by
governmentBreak down barriers to communicationWork effectively across government –
education, law, police, corrections, services etcEnsure what needs to happen happens – role
for community
15
Where Australia is nowOpportunity for real progress
Still have to deal with complex issues and recognise one size does not fit all
All governments must work to reduce violence
Important role for NGOs
16
Time for ActionThe National Plan to Reduce Violence Against
Women and Their Children
is available at
www.fahcsia.gov.au