Australian governments have agreed to a new domestic violence target, aiming for a 25% reduction in the number of women killed by their partners every year.
This is the first specific target under a 10-year national plan to end violence against women and children within a generation.
The last 10-year plan failed to reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence.
Here’s what you need to know.
Domestic violence plans
The government launched the first national plan in 2010. It failed in its goal to eliminate gender-based violence against women, but it did lead to new services including the 1800RESPECT helpline.
Last year, the Federal Government created a new 10-year plan, this time with targeted outcomes for First Nations communities.
As part of this, it promised two 5-year ‘action plans’ – the first of which was released today.
Six targets
Today’s announcement included six high-level targets:
- A 25% annual reduction in women killed by their partners
- Four targets to improve cultural understanding and attitudes towards violence and gender equality, measured by surveys
- A First Nations-specific target, already set as part of the Closing the Gap program
Additional targets will be added next year.
Action plan
The action plan sets out 10 focus areas, including the justice system, support services and campaigns to shift cultural attitudes.
It mostly lists measures that are already in place under each of these headings and clarifies which governments are responsible for which areas.
There are some new initiatives, including a commitment to set up a First Nations-specific Men’s Advisory Body to provide “advice and leadership” on family violence and men’s issues.
The plan also announced a new national support service to tackle technology-facilitated abuse, such as threatening text messages.
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
