National violence prevention organisation Our Watch has acknowledged the recommendations of the Commonwealth Government’s Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches Panel, which were released today.
The Rapid Review was announced on 1 May 2024, following a meeting of National Cabinet. The recommendations arising from the 12-week process sit alongside the existing robust evidence-base and a range of previous inquiries and reviews related to gender-based violence.
Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly welcomed the Rapid Review Panel’s recommendations to continue the dedicated focus on this issue by National Cabinet, strengthen work with men and boys, focus on preventing and responding to violence against Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander women, encourage greater focus on sexual violence, and increase investment in frontline services.
“We all believe in a future free from violence against women, and Our Watch supports and encourages all evidence-based initiatives that will help get us there,” Ms Kinnersly said.
“It’s important we trial new actions alongside implementing initiatives that have been shown through evidence to work in reducing violence against women.
“Violence against women is one of the most complex social issues of our time, but the evidence is clear that gender-based violence is driven by rigid gender stereotypes, sexism and disrespect. It is crucial that tackling those drivers is a key focus of prevention action.”
Ms Kinnersly said the recommendation to review the national framework for preventing violence against women, Change the story, would require specialist expertise in primary prevention.
“Over the past 10 years Our Watch has worked alongside countless academic and research experts, governments, frontline services, organisations and victim-survivors to develop and implement an evidence-based approach to preventing violence against women.
“The national framework to prevent violence against women, Change the story, was reviewed in 2021 by independent technical experts who specialise in primary prevention, and the framework has widespread support across Australia and internationally from those working in the prevention of violence against women.
“Primary prevention is different from, but complements and supports, other approaches across early intervention, response, and recovery and healing. Each of these domains require different expertise and employ different approaches, and each needs appropriate investment and support.
Ms Kinnersly said Our Watch agreed with the recommendations calling for ongoing building of, and investment in, frontline services and the domestic, family and sexual violence workforce.
“We know the importance of the work happening in frontline services, including legal assistance services, across Australia and the urgent need for investment to support their work.
“We also know that having a skilled domestic, family and sexual violence workforce, including in primary prevention, provides one of the key foundations for change.
"With two in five women experiencing violence in their lifetime and research showing that around one in four men in Australia aged 18 to 45 saying they have used physical and/or sexual violence against an intimate partner, this is an issue that is present in every suburb, every community, every sporting club and every workplace. Violence against women is a social problem, and it requires a society-wide solution."
Ms Kinnersly said it was also important that work to end violence against women and children addresses factors that increased the frequency and severity of violence among men who chose to use it, including alcohol and drug use and problem gambling, along with other influencing factors like poverty.
“There is no single solution to end this crisis. Ending violence against women takes action and collaboration at every level of our society, from individuals and local communities through to businesses and governments.
“It is crucial that work continues across primary prevention, early intervention, response and recovery, with leadership and adequate investment across the board. All of these activities are vital, and each one supports the effectiveness of the others.
“We look forward to reviewing the Report in more detail and we remain committed to working collaboratively with governments, organisations and individuals across Australia to end violence against women,” Ms Kinnersly said.
Please contact media@ourwatch.org.au or call 0448 844 930.
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1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732. Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
Access guides for reporting about violence against women and their children.
Our Watch is a national leader in Australia’s work to stop violence against women and their children before it starts. The organisation was created to drive nation-wide change in the practices, norms, and structures that lead to violence against women and children. Read more about Our Watch here.